Here's a general guide. Specific steps and tools may vary slightly depending on the exact model of your Neon (e.g., SXT, R/T). Consult a repair manual specific to your year and model for precise instructions and torque specifications.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely essential for safety.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Sockets and wrenches: You'll likely need various sizes, including those for caliper bolts, and possibly a C-clamp (explained below).
* C-clamp (optional but highly recommended): Makes compressing the caliper piston easier.
* Brake cleaner: To clean the caliper and rotor surfaces.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): To help loosen any stuck bolts.
* New rear brake pads: Make sure you get the correct ones for your Neon.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Torque wrench (highly recommended): To tighten bolts to the correct specifications.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels. Jack up the rear of the car and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Expose the Brake Caliper: You should now see the brake caliper assembly clamped onto the rotor.
4. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the bolts holding the caliper to the caliper bracket. These are usually on the back side of the caliper.
* Spray penetrating oil on the bolts if they're difficult to loosen.
* Carefully remove the bolts and gently pull the caliper away from the rotor. It might be necessary to support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to keep it from hanging by the brake line.
5. Compress the Caliper Piston: The caliper piston needs to be compressed to make room for the new, thicker brake pads.
* Using a C-clamp: This is the safest and easiest method. Carefully clamp the piston and slowly compress it. Make sure you're pushing the piston straight in to avoid damaging the seals.
* Using a brake caliper compression tool: A specialized tool that fits over the piston and makes it easier to compress.
* Manually (not recommended): You can sometimes push the piston back in with a large screwdriver or similar tool, but this is riskier as you could damage the seals.
6. Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now be easily removable. Usually, they're held in place by a retaining clip or simply slide out.
7. Install the New Brake Pads: Slide the new brake pads into place.
8. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back onto the rotor and reinstall the caliper bolts. Tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque.
9. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Don't tighten them fully yet.
10. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Now fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
11. Check for Proper Function: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to make sure the brakes are working properly. Test the brakes gently at low speeds to ensure they're functioning as expected. If you feel anything unusual, get the brakes inspected by a professional.
Important Considerations:
* Rotor inspection: While you have the wheel off, inspect the brake rotor for excessive wear or damage. If necessary, it may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
* Brake fluid: If you need to significantly compress the caliper piston, you may need to open the brake bleeder screw to prevent the brake fluid from being forced back into the master cylinder. If you do, you will need to bleed the brakes afterwards (consult a repair manual on how to do this correctly).
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Brake work is critical for your safety.
This is a general guide. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 2001 Dodge Neon before attempting this repair. Incorrectly performing brake work can be dangerous.
