1994 Dodge Caravan How to bleed breaks

DIANADAVIS001

MEMBER
1994 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
172,000 MILES

My husband and I decided to save on some pricey repairs and replaced the front breaks on our van. The procedure, we believe, went well, however, we did bleed off the break fluid in the line to get the caliber back enough to install the new break pads and rotors. We dont know how to bleed the line now to get the fluid back into the line. Also there may be a slight mistake on putting the caliber back on, it seems that the breaks now have a rubbing sound not all the time but sometimes. Can anyone help us.

thank you

1 Reply

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Ok, how did you get the caliper piston back in?
And how did you bleed off the line? Also was there still Brake Fluid in the Master Cylinder? If there was still brake fluid in the master cylinder (at least a 1/4 to 1/2 full) then you shouldn't need to bleed the brake. The only time you should need to bleed the brake is if you have had to replace a line, wheel cylinder, master cylinder or the calipers.

Next time you do it use a C-Clamp or your local parts store sells a tool to press the caliper piston back in and just remember to open the master cylinder so the brake fluid will push back into it.

The rubbing sound - you may need to take another look at the pads and make sure everything looks right. With wheel off spin the Brake Rotor and watch the pads do they sandwitch the rotor evenly all the way around? If not it is possible that the rotor is warpped and need to be replaced. Or Depending on what was used to press the piston back in it may that the piston is cocked and locked in position.

To bleed the brakes you can either purchase a one man bleeded kit or with one of you in the vehicle and the other one at the caliper. The one at the caliper makes sure the bleeder valves on both side are easily opened. Then snug the bleeder valves, have the person the the vehicle pump the brake pedal 5 or 6 times and hold the pedal down. Then the person at the caliper loosen the bleeder valve. When the pedal goes to the foor tighten the valve. Repeat same about 3 times on each side. Just alternate sides and make sure you check master cylinder after doing each side once. Refill as needed.