Disclaimer: This guide provides general instructions, but it's always a good idea to refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual or seek professional help if you have any doubts. It's also essential to take appropriate safety measures when working on your vehicle.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle and Safety First
- Park your vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and chock the wheels to prevent rolling.
- Ensure the transmission is in "Park" (for automatics) or in gear (for manuals) to keep the vehicle stationary.
- Always use proper safety equipment such as safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself.
Step 2: Remove the Wheel Cover or Trim (If Equipped)
- If your Caravan has wheel covers or trim covering the lug nuts, remove them to expose the lug nuts.
Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts
- Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that corresponds to the brake drum you're working on.
- Do not fully remove the lug nuts at this point; just loosen them enough to break their resistance.
Step 4: Jack Up Your Vehicle
- Position the jack under the vehicle's frame, ensuring it's stable and in a sturdy location.
- Raise the vehicle until the wheel you're working on is off the ground by a few inches.
Step 5: Remove the Lug Nuts and Take Off the Wheel
- Completely remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel.
Step 6: Remove the Grease Cap (If Equipped)
- If your vehicle has a grease cap on the brake drum, pry it off gently using a flat-head screwdriver or a pry bar.
Step 7: Remove the Adjusting Slot Cover
- On the back side of the brake drum, you'll find a small cover over the brake adjuster. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off this cover.
Step 8: Turn the Brake Adjuster Screw
- Inside the slot, you'll see a toothed star-wheel (the brake adjuster screw).
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the adjuster screw counterclockwise a few clicks. This will retract the brake shoes and make it easier to remove the drum.
Step 9: Gently Tap Around the Brake Drum
- Use a rubber mallet or a piece of wood to gently tap around the circumference of the brake drum, near the outer edges. This may help loosen the drum and break it free from its seating.
Step 10: Pry Off the Brake Drum
- Once you hear a "popping" sound or feel the drum loosening up, use a pry bar or two flat-head screwdrivers to pry the drum off the axle.
Step 11: Inspect and Replace Brake Components (If Necessary)
- With the drum removed, you'll have access to the brake shoes, brake lining, and other brake components.
- Inspect the condition of these parts and replace them if needed.
Step 12: Reassemble
- After inspecting or replacing components, reinstall the drum by positioning it carefully onto the axle.
- Make sure the brake shoes settle properly into place.
- Replace the grease cap (if equipped), install the wheel, and tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the vehicle back down.
- Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
Step 13: Test the Brakes
- Before driving, test the brakes to ensure they're working properly.
