* Floor jack
* Jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Flat-head screwdriver
* Adjustable wrench
* New brake pads
Procedure:
1. Turn off your car and park it on a level surface. Engage the parking brake, and chock the front tires to prevent the car from rolling.
2. Raise the rear of the car with the floor jack and support it with the jack stands.
3. Remove the lug nuts on the rear wheels and remove the wheels.
4. Remove the two bolts holding the brake caliper in place.
5. Remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way with a piece of wire.
6. Inspect the brake pads for wear. If they are worn down to less than 1/8" thick, they must be replaced.
7. If the brake pads need to be replaced, remove the old brake pads from the caliper. You can do this with the flat-head screwdriver and adjustable wrench.
8. Install the new brake pads into the caliper. Make sure that the brake pad inserts are correctly installed and that the new brake pads are aligned correctly.
9. Reinstall the brake caliper and tighten the bolts.
10. Reinstall the wheels and lug nuts. Lower the car with the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
That is how you change the rear brakes on a 1997 Dodge Stratus.
