That said, here's a general outline of the process. Specifics vary depending on the year of your Caravan. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model.
1. Safety First:
* Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake (on the other wheels). This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Use jack stands. Never rely solely on a jack.
* Wear safety glasses. Broken parts can fly.
* Use gloves. Brake dust is nasty.
2. Access the Drums:
* Remove the wheel. Loosen the lug nuts before jacking the vehicle.
* Remove the dust cap. This usually involves prying it off carefully.
* Inspect the situation. Assess the severity of the seizing.
3. Attempting to Free the Brakes (This is where caution is paramount):
* Penetrating lubricant: Liberally spray penetrating lubricant (like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench) into the area between the drum and the backing plate. Let it soak for a considerable amount of time (several hours, even overnight). Reapply as needed.
* Gentle persuasion: Try to gently rock the drum back and forth. Use a rubber mallet to tap lightly around the drum's circumference. Avoid forceful blows; you could damage the drum or backing plate.
* Impact wrench (with caution): If the above doesn't work, you *might* try using an impact wrench on the wheel studs to try and jar the drum loose. This is a last resort and could damage the threads. Do it very carefully, using short bursts.
* Brake drum puller: If the drum still won't budge, you'll likely need a brake drum puller. This specialized tool helps to separate the drum from the backing plate. You'll need to carefully follow its instructions.
4. Once the Drum is Removed:
* Inspect the brake shoes and drums. They are likely severely corroded and will probably need to be replaced.
* Clean the backing plate thoroughly. Remove any rust or debris.
* Inspect and lubricate the wheel cylinder.
* Reassemble after replacing necessary parts. Follow the correct procedures in your repair manual.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: Rust is the main culprit in seized brakes. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
* Wheel Cylinders: Seized brakes often indicate a problem with the wheel cylinders. These often need replacement as well.
* Hydraulics: Once you've freed the brakes, carefully bleed the brake system to remove any air introduced during the process.
Again, if you're not comfortable with this repair, take your Caravan to a mechanic. Improperly working on your brakes is extremely dangerous. It's far cheaper to pay a mechanic than to risk an accident.
