Thank you thank you thank you so much for these videos and showing the process step by step. I did these brakes watching these the three videos you made for these particular brakes and you saved my life.
I've done many disk breaks in my time but never a drum. Couldn't have done it without you, thank you. You are spot on with the special pliers too. I tried for a bit without and gave up. It was worth the two day wait to borrow a pair. Took 2 minutes with the right tool.
great tutorial vid...you hit every point that needed touched on...I'm a heavy equipment mechanic that does very little automotive repairs..lol..meaning I pretty much drive my stuff until I see the uh oh light come on or I have a mechanical failure...brakes and steering I pretty much stay on...but I hate working on my own stuff as I do this all day long 12 hrs a day on fleet equipment...I am fortunate enough to keep my wife in new vehicles every couple yrs so I just send those issues to the dealership and let them deal with it for routine maintenance and inspections...I turn those vehicles in before trouble as she only does about 10k a yr if that...but good to see a good mechanic doing a proper video...nice job!
Excellent video series, still helpful almost 10 years later. Got one side done, when I do the other side I'm going to back the adjuster off before I put it back together, seems like it'd be easier that way. A very good step-by-step though.
same exact vehicle I have color and all. I had to reverse the plates in this video because I noticed you were working on the passenger side instead of the driver side, so a good thing for everyone to know is keep the flat plate on the side towards the front of the vehicle and the curvy bar-like piece that holds the line to the back, but outside of that everything is the same. great video good job.
Great video David. I appreciate the little challenges you went through. I don't feel like I'm the only one these things happen to. I learned from watching your video that the method you used to remove the drums and shoes are efficient and well planned out. Very timely because I'm doing my brakes tomorrow. Thanks again.
I've done rear brakes a number of times and that was the hardest. I never had the drums stuck on that bad. Thanks for watching and commenting and I hope your job goes smoothly.
These videos are great! One thing I found is that it's much easier to put the springs on and off if the adjuster is set close to the minimum width. Putting the springs on when the adjuster is wide can cause the springs to deform a bit.
I didn't have a strap but used a small bogy cord. I must say your video is great! I found my old Chilton manual for this and it looks like you wrote it!
I'm doing one later, the only thing I do differently is when adjusting tension on the shoes is use a brake spoon to tighten it up slightly, then once you've installed BOTH tires and put the wheels back on, drive the vehicle forward several feet, and apply the brake, stop, then back up several feet, and repeat the process several times, and that is the way to self adjusting. Thanks for sharing this, excellent job David👍👍👍
About to do a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. I really don't know why they didn't just have all disc brake setup. Anyhoo...your video will definitely help me complete the task! Thank you!
Great video.. I had bought a 2001 Caravan with the right rear side missing all the inner brake springs and shoes. Just the drum was installed. Thanks buddy, great job.
I just pulled my drums off to check and clean the brakes and although I had good pad left I thought it might be a good idea to learn how to do a future replacement and your video is great ! I’ve had problems with springs in the past and found that a small pick used as a lever to slide the spring home works really good in lieu of the vise grips. Thanx for your video.
@ 6:18 - *That is the EXACT same spring and smae placement on the shoes as the Chrysler LeBaron and Dodge Spirit. I have a 1994 LeBaron sedan, and I tried EVERYTHING to get the return spring in. I am a strong, and NO LEVERAGE can get that spring back in that tiny hole. I gave in and had to buy the spring pliers.* 😞
Thank you for the perfect how to video. I just followed along and did what you did. End result is perfection. I also replaced the hub while I was in there. Great video. Thanks again.
Thank you. Very detailed and informative video. I just replaced brake cylinder, the seized brake line bolt came loose after heating it with a... candle. The most difficult was to fit centre pins and tight springs, me and wife hardly made it. I can't understand how you did it by hand. However upper spring and lower springs I fitted easily with cheap pliers. For some reason, the adjuster lever sits too low on the cogwheel, loosening it instead of tightening.
5-stars! Best idea ever! To secure shoes with a strap for dissasembly and reassembly. With the shoes secured and collapsed, it took Almost no effort to stretch the new springs into place. And everything holds in place while assembling.
Very good video - I have a high mileage Dodge caravan where the rear brakes would not release.The first time it happened I thought I had a flat tire as it vibrated heavily until I braked to a stop and backed up to reset them. The problem was the plate which pivots on the back side of the leading shoe was corroded so badly the pivot was frozen. The pivot is held to the plate with a horse shoe clip. Cleaned the whole thing up with a sanding wheel and put a bit of high temp grease on the plate and pin.
Thank you so much for the video! I took mine apart and then had to leave because something came up. I got back and couldn't remember how some of it went back.
Excellent video. Thanks for your effort. It's hard to do this job and video and comment at the same time. I am fixing to do the rear brakes on my Caravan as soon as the outside heat index drops below 104 degrees in the daytime. I have been reading on brake drums and quite a few people say that new drums should be checked for if they are out of round. This is because they can get dropped before they get into your hands. just wanted to mention this.
Great video. A few months ago I did the drum brakes on a pick up and got frustrated with the shoes moving so I made a chain of zip ties to go around. I need to get a belt like yours. The 2001 Caravan I'm working on has the disc/drum rear brakes. Thanks for the video.
I've got your exact same van, 2000 Dodge CARAVAN, not Grand, and also dark blue. I'm going to be doing a full brake job but also replacing the wheel bearings at the same time, so mine will involve a bit of additional disassembly. I've already ordered the complete brake system including the rear brake hardware you replaced, and the rear bearing, just waiting for the front bearings. I might also replace both front stub shafts as well, it's not a very difficult job and best to do that at the same time as the wheel bearings, but the dust seals may be a bit of a challenge. I may have a mechanically inclined friend do that for me. The passenger side rear wheel bearing went out on me last summer and I had suspected the brakes were needing attention already then, and the mechanic said the brakes did need replacing, so I'm gathering parts to fix it. Mine has had a few body dings on the front end, so I'll also be replacing the pass side front fender, the grille and both headlights. I already have those parts. Soon, our little Mini will be looking and driving new again......
@@TheOriginalMechanic sorry to hear that. Those vans are pretty nice. My family loves our Mini. We also have a 98 Ford Windstar. It's nice too but a but larger a vehicle. I look at the Caravan as being very car like riding and driving. The Windstar is a bit more truck like.
I think this video should be called.... "my first brake job".... RUclips needs more "experts" like this. Nothing entirely wrong..... but not a real pro doing it.
It didn't look to me like it was the first time he did it, and I don't find that videos by "pros" are necessarily any more useful. As far as I can tell, he didn't represent himself as an "expert" at any point, yet he gets the steps right and in a style that comes across as an amiable friend or neighbor able to calmly and methodically teach by example. Who cares if it's a "real" mechanic? The steps require a bit of mechanical skill and attention to detail, but it's not rocket science. Personally, I really liked and appreciated this one.
Excellent video! It's always a good idea to change the hydraulic piston since you have everything off. On the last part wouldn't it be easier to adjust the tensioner before you put on the spring for the auto adjuster? Lastly you mention that turning the tension in the other direction you don't need to hold it open then in the next shot .5 seconds later the nail can be seen sticking in it like before as you easily adjust it.
A detailed and helpful guide, thank you. But can anyone here tell me a serial number or actual name for the "parking brake lever" at 0:18 and the plate that connects to the leading shoe at 3:30? Mine are quite rusty and ugly looking and were not included with the brake shoes nor the adjuster kit or spring kit. I haven't found any replacement kit for those online.
I've just ordered myself a pair of those spring pliers as I have spent all of this afternoon trying to get the spring on the rear drum handbrake on my car. My hands and fingers hurt from the force I was exerting and it still wasn't enough !
@@TheOriginalMechanic I hope so ! They weren't that expensive... £9.20. I left my car jacked up until they arrive. I'm not going to risk hurting myself.
Wondering why, since you had the system torn down, you didn’t go ahead and replace the brake cylinders? They are inexpensive and should be replaced during a brake overhaul as a matter of course and good practice as is bleeding the brake fluid since water infiltration seems to have played its part in the problem being addressed.
Awesome video, I did a brake job on a 2003 rear drum that was neglected, and I had to replace two cracked and leaking wheel cylinders along with the whole brake hose assembly. I hate the brake hose assembly, the nut that connects to where the brake fluid is distributed is a hassle, and a field of Christian curse words. But at least I now know I did the brake in the right order. Time to test drive.
I had really bad brake shoes on a 06 chrysler town and country. The car was running like nothing was wrong with it. I decided to replace drums, brake shoes and springs. I drove it on the freeway and i started feeling a pulsation and vibration when braking. I was told to replace the front rotors as well and the shaking is still there. I replace the drums and rotors twice according to the mecanich the rotors and drums were bad. I decided not to replace everything for the third time because i spent almost$ 500 . the pulsation and the shaking is still there when braking .as I mentioned didnt have this problem before replacing the brakes eventhough the rear drums and brake shoes were gone. Any suggestion?
I have a very similar situation happening on an older Caravan. I will begin working on the problem when I get back in a week from a winter getaway. I will share what I find if I am able to find a solution.
I did everything you did on the video but my ebrake will not auto adjust. I drove it in reverse and set the brake to get it to adjust but nothing. It is not even holding the car at all. Any suggestions?
I wonder if the adjuster is too far off. During dis-assembly the star-wheel may have strayed too far (inward) from the final position to allow the brakes to engage. You may have to manually move it back (outward) through the the backplate window. Unless something is broken or miss-seated that's all that comes to mind. Good luck!
Muy practico. Es muy útil para cambio de balatas. Ajuste o cambio De tambor. Una pregunta conque se lubrican los puntos de movimiento. van solo limpios. Gracias. Desde oaxaca.
what size needle nose vice grip did u use to remove and put the brake springs back on 4'' or 6'' and can u tell me witch side the emergency brake cable T is on the driver side or passenger side please and the videos where very helpful thank you for posting them cant wait to do the brake job!
I used 6" pliers. You might want to consider picking up a brake spring pliers for the upper spring. That spring is under high tension and very frustrating to remove and install with ordinary tools. The emergency brake cable runs along the driver's side. Thanks for watching and commenting and good luck with your brake work!
Thanks David for the nice job on this series. I wonder if you might have an answer to my problem with the emergency brake doesn't hold the car while in park. It seems that the cable is okay under the car and where it contacts other areas. I have a 2001 Grand Dodge Caravan Sport. It has the same setup that you show in your series. I took off my drums, no problem getting them off. I checked the material left on the shoes which is 5mm and seems to be at least 3/32 in before the rivets. Do you know if there's a cable adjustment to take out the slack in the cable do to stretching? I looked around and can't find any? I'm going to open them up again and try your adjustment procedure. Good old Firestone did the work in the past so not sure if they did it right? Thanks again.
Colin Crosby Thanks for watching. I don't know of any adjustment other than the automatic adjuster (star wheel) within the drum itself. It would have to be greatly out of position to cause your problem though.The emergency foot pedal also adjusts automatically, according to my manual. So if the slack can't be taken out that way, I don''t know of anything else short of replacing cables.
hey thanks for the information I have the same problem the wheel on the passanger side is locked up I also have a broken brake line the long one that goes by the gas tank would u also change the wheel cyclinder to since I have to bleed the brakes anyway do u think this is a good idea its not leaking but since the brakes apart change it now or wait till its bad? what do u think
You will need to make some slack in the cable by pulling it toward the rear and holding it with a clamp or vice grip pliers. Then it can be put back in the bracket and the clamp removed.
@@TheOriginalMechanic I appreciate all your help sir, I kept reading the comment section, and saw you answered this question a while back. I got it back on the parking cable and its good to go. Thanks for all your help!!
Great video. Much better than other caravan drum brake tutorials. And the strap idea is genius. Just one question: do you need to do anything to secure the brake lines prior to disassembling the shoes?
thnx for thie video was wondering if its the same on a 2002 dodge grand caravan if so can u please let me know me shoes are in really rough shape and last time i tried digging into rear drum brakes i couldnt get it back together im getting better with cars just want to know cuz if this is the case this looks easy
hey man do u know how to reattach the emergency cable back on the back of the bracket? dont know how it goes back on mine fell off b4 i could see how it goes on iknow it has a hook looking thing how dose it go back on?
This happened to me too. Here is some text on what I did taken from my website: "...The lever can (and should) stay on the cable. This lever fits over the brake cable, which has a spring around it and a crimped on stop, wider in diameter on the end. Normally it will stay on the end of the cable. However, if it comes off, to re-fit it, it will be necessary to relieve some tension from the cable by pulling it toward the brake from under left side of the van and place a vice grip pliers against the last bracket before the brake to hold it. Now you should be able to pull back on the spring to expose the cable underneath and fit the lever over it."
Glad to hear the brake videos helped you out. No, I have not done the lower control arm on this van. I did do one on a Pontiac Grand Am last fall and made a couple of videos on it. Thanks for watching and good luck on your lower control arm.
John Steinmetz I just looked at my Haynes manual and the answer is more no than yes. This large bracket under the engine, the "cradle," is in the way and has to come off. I guess once that's off though, it might be similar.
Great video, could anyone tell me why after properly adjusting the shoe expansion on my drum brakes with the proper amount of contact with the drum the tire will not spin freely after it is installed. The drum is new but the shoes are the old ones that have about 80% of the pad remaining so I kept them as well as the hardware after cleaning it with brake cleaner, The cylinder looked good. The old drum With the old shoes would spin properly before I removed it. The shoes were adjusted with very little contact on the new drum yet the tire will barely spin when installed but as I said the old drum would spin properly when the tire was installed. Any ideas ? The drum is the proper one best I can tell.
+Hayley Belding Then you have to make up some slack in the cable to fit the bracket back on. I showed how to do that in part 2, I believe. Good luck with it. It's not that hard to get back on there.
Thanks! We ended up using 2 vise grips. One person pulled the vice grips apart, and the other slipped the bracket on. Now that it's done, our brakes are squishy. LOL. We're hopeless.
great teaching this is my first time for doing these type of brakes did them on a 2004 chevy Colorado it's a lot easier than a town and country ,,, thanks again for your help...
Well my brake line fell off that metal thingy and now I don't know how to force it back on. I wish you'd said more than "it's hard to get back on"! I'm ready to take a sledgehammer to the whole van.
I eventually got it on lol. I didn't think that the spring pulled back but it did. It wasn't easy but I got it on. I put it together then couldn't get the little tension lever in behind the strut. I realized the notch on the strut goes to the front. I had to take it apart and turn it around lol. I painted the air blue but I got it done. Thank you for the video. It was helpful! I also learned how to put in new wheel studs. The tow truck driver snapped off three of them changing the tire.
The only problem was to place the double upper spring with the long nose vise grip... That was tough. I don't have the tool you are showing in the video. Anyway, your video saved my day. Thanks again.
to avoid removing the drum multiple times from the first time you adjust for drag ,,,just push parking brake once or twice to make them seat round to drum ,,,then next time you take drum off to adjust it should be your final attempt at getting the drag right
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for a GREAT instructional video.....clever tip to hold the shoes together with a ratchet strap....well done....cheers!!....👍
14:30 thanks for information , when I finally got the drum off , broken pieces fell out . This is a great help . thanks ,Darren Alberta Canada .
Out of nowhere this seven year old video
Is freaking exactly what I need! THANK YOU MY DUDE 👍👍
You're welcome and you made me laugh!
Using that cam strap was brilliant!!! That trick will save me so much frustration in the future.
Hey... I used this technique last week. Made pulling that main spring SO much easier!
Thank you thank you thank you so much for these videos and showing the process step by step. I did these brakes watching these the three videos you made for these particular brakes and you saved my life.
I've done many disk breaks in my time but never a drum. Couldn't have done it without you, thank you. You are spot on with the special pliers too. I tried for a bit without and gave up. It was worth the two day wait to borrow a pair. Took 2 minutes with the right tool.
Glad you made some use of the video. Thanks for the comment.
great tutorial vid...you hit every point that needed touched on...I'm a heavy equipment mechanic that does very little automotive repairs..lol..meaning I pretty much drive my stuff until I see the uh oh light come on or I have a mechanical failure...brakes and steering I pretty much stay on...but I hate working on my own stuff as I do this all day long 12 hrs a day on fleet equipment...I am fortunate enough to keep my wife in new vehicles every couple yrs so I just send those issues to the dealership and let them deal with it for routine maintenance and inspections...I turn those vehicles in before trouble as she only does about 10k a yr if that...but good to see a good mechanic doing a proper video...nice job!
Excellent video series, still helpful almost 10 years later. Got one side done, when I do the other side I'm going to back the adjuster off before I put it back together, seems like it'd be easier that way. A very good step-by-step though.
same exact vehicle I have color and all. I had to reverse the plates in this video because I noticed you were working on the passenger side instead of the driver side, so a good thing for everyone to know is keep the flat plate on the side towards the front of the vehicle and the curvy bar-like piece that holds the line to the back, but outside of that everything is the same. great video good job.
Great video David. I appreciate the little challenges you went through. I don't feel like I'm the only one these things happen to. I learned from watching your video that the method you used to remove the drums and shoes are efficient and well planned out. Very timely because I'm doing my brakes tomorrow. Thanks again.
I've done rear brakes a number of times and that was the hardest. I never had the drums stuck on that bad. Thanks for watching and commenting and I hope your job goes smoothly.
Thank u just changed my drums doing everything u said to do worked out good, may the Lord Jesus bless u 🙏 for blessing me God bless
These videos are great! One thing I found is that it's much easier to put the springs on and off if the adjuster is set close to the minimum width. Putting the springs on when the adjuster is wide can cause the springs to deform a bit.
I know I'm late to the party, but you Sir, are a rockstar. Thanks for the awesome video. You saved me a lot of time, money, and swear words. 😂
Not many of these videos on RUclips, you are a life saver thank you!
+Nick Webber You're welcome and thanks for the comment.
I didn't have a strap but used a small bogy cord. I must say your video is great! I found my old Chilton manual for this and it looks like you wrote it!
Thank you sir for such an informative video. I did my first set of drum brakes today and your video talks me through step by step.
I'm doing one later, the only thing I do differently is when adjusting tension on the shoes is use a brake spoon to tighten it up slightly, then once you've installed BOTH tires and put the wheels back on, drive the vehicle forward several feet, and apply the brake, stop, then back up several feet, and repeat the process several times, and that is the way to self adjusting. Thanks for sharing this, excellent job David👍👍👍
About to do a 2005 Grand Caravan SXT. I really don't know why they didn't just have all disc brake setup. Anyhoo...your video will definitely help me complete the task! Thank you!
This video is a life saver, there aren’t many others like this one. Thank you!
Great video.. I had bought a 2001 Caravan with the right rear side missing all the inner brake springs and shoes. Just the drum was installed. Thanks buddy, great job.
+David Hurlbut Sure, you're welcome. Glad you could make use of it and thanks for commenting!
Your video help me complete my brother in laws brakes on his van. Thank you.
I just pulled my drums off to check and clean the brakes and although I had good pad left I thought it might be a good idea to learn how to do a future replacement and your video is great ! I’ve had problems with springs in the past and found that a small pick used as a lever to slide the spring home works really good in lieu of the vise grips. Thanx for your video.
@ 6:18 - *That is the EXACT same spring and smae placement on the shoes as the Chrysler LeBaron and Dodge Spirit. I have a 1994 LeBaron sedan, and I tried EVERYTHING to get the return spring in. I am a strong, and NO LEVERAGE can get that spring back in that tiny hole. I gave in and had to buy the spring pliers.* 😞
@@Twitch_Moderator I've done the same lol.
Thank you for the perfect how to video. I just followed along and did what you did. End result is perfection. I also replaced the hub while I was in there. Great video. Thanks again.
You're welcome. Glad this helped you and thanks for commenting.
Right rear seized. Bought new hardware kit. watched your video and I'm now " Giddy Up Go.." Thanks for the video
You're welcome. I hope the ride goes smoothly.
Very good video! I had a leaky right rear cylinder and decided to replace the brake pads, drum and the spring hardware. The video helped me greatly.
Glad you could make use of the video.
Thanks for the series, I have a 2000 Grand Caravan, and need to rebuild the brakes.
You are very welcome. I hope the videos help.
Thank you. Very detailed and informative video. I just replaced brake cylinder, the seized brake line bolt came loose after heating it with a... candle. The most difficult was to fit centre pins and tight springs, me and wife hardly made it. I can't understand how you did it by hand. However upper spring and lower springs I fitted easily with cheap pliers. For some reason, the adjuster lever sits too low on the cogwheel, loosening it instead of tightening.
5-stars! Best idea ever! To secure shoes with a strap for dissasembly and reassembly.
With the shoes secured and collapsed, it took
Almost no effort to stretch the new springs into place. And everything holds in place while assembling.
Very good video - I have a high mileage Dodge caravan where the rear brakes would not release.The first time it happened I thought I had a flat tire as it vibrated heavily until I braked to a stop and backed up to reset them. The problem was the plate which pivots on the back side of the leading shoe was corroded so badly the pivot was frozen. The pivot is held to the plate with a horse shoe clip. Cleaned the whole thing up with a sanding wheel and put a bit of high temp grease on the plate and pin.
Thank you very much! You don't know how much you helped me 👍
Thank you so much for the video! I took mine apart and then had to leave because something came up. I got back and couldn't remember how some of it went back.
Only problem now is getting the cable for the park brake back onto that lever. What a bitch lol
+Sheridantank I ran into that too. You have to make some slack in the cable to get it back on. Good luck!
The Original Mechanic
I got her done eventually lol.
Excellent video. Thanks for your effort. It's hard to do this job and video and comment at the same time. I am fixing to do the rear brakes on my Caravan as soon as the outside heat index drops below 104 degrees in the daytime. I have been reading on brake drums and quite a few people say that new drums should be checked for if they are out of round. This is because they can get dropped before they get into your hands. just wanted to mention this.
You're welcome. Good luck on your brakes and thanks for the tip.
Thank you thank you
Great video. A few months ago I did the drum brakes on a pick up and got frustrated with the shoes moving so I made a chain of zip ties to go around. I need to get a belt like yours. The 2001 Caravan I'm working on has the disc/drum rear brakes. Thanks for the video.
Thanks from Russia
I've got your exact same van, 2000 Dodge CARAVAN, not Grand, and also dark blue.
I'm going to be doing a full brake job but also replacing the wheel bearings at the same time, so mine will involve a bit of additional disassembly.
I've already ordered the complete brake system including the rear brake hardware you replaced, and the rear bearing, just waiting for the front bearings. I might also replace both front stub shafts as well, it's not a very difficult job and best to do that at the same time as the wheel bearings, but the dust seals may be a bit of a challenge. I may have a mechanically inclined friend do that for me.
The passenger side rear wheel bearing went out on me last summer and I had suspected the brakes were needing attention already then, and the mechanic said the brakes did need replacing, so I'm gathering parts to fix it.
Mine has had a few body dings on the front end, so I'll also be replacing the pass side front fender, the grille and both headlights. I already have those parts.
Soon, our little Mini will be looking and driving new again......
I too like to keep an older vehicle going. Way to go! Unfortunately my 2000 Caravan took it's final ride to the scrapyard last summer 😟
@@TheOriginalMechanic sorry to hear that. Those vans are pretty nice. My family loves our Mini.
We also have a 98 Ford Windstar. It's nice too but a but larger a vehicle. I look at the Caravan as being very car like riding and driving. The Windstar is a bit more truck like.
I think this video should be called.... "my first brake job".... RUclips needs more "experts" like this. Nothing entirely wrong..... but not a real pro doing it.
It didn't look to me like it was the first time he did it, and I don't find that videos by "pros" are necessarily any more useful. As far as I can tell, he didn't represent himself as an "expert" at any point, yet he gets the steps right and in a style that comes across as an amiable friend or neighbor able to calmly and methodically teach by example. Who cares if it's a "real" mechanic? The steps require a bit of mechanical skill and attention to detail, but it's not rocket science. Personally, I really liked and appreciated this one.
Thanks for those great detailed shots. You got me trough the crazy puzzle.
Daddybopper You're welcome, and I appreciate the comment.
Excellent video! It's always a good idea to change the hydraulic piston since you have everything off. On the last part wouldn't it be easier to adjust the tensioner before you put on the spring for the auto adjuster? Lastly you mention that turning the tension in the other direction you don't need to hold it open then in the next shot .5 seconds later the nail can be seen sticking in it like before as you easily adjust it.
All good points I'm sure. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks your video was a Godsend !! I gave the Chelton book, but the video works better for me. ,!
A detailed and helpful guide, thank you. But can anyone here tell me a serial number or actual name for the "parking brake lever" at 0:18 and the plate that connects to the leading shoe at 3:30?
Mine are quite rusty and ugly looking and were not included with the brake shoes nor the adjuster kit or spring kit. I haven't found any replacement kit for those online.
thanks. I just fixed my Dodg :)
About to do mine on 2005. Thanks for a great video!! :)
I've just ordered myself a pair of those spring pliers as I have spent all of this afternoon trying to get the spring on the rear drum handbrake on my car.
My hands and fingers hurt from the force I was exerting and it still wasn't enough !
They are definitely worth it.
@@TheOriginalMechanic
I hope so !
They weren't that expensive... £9.20.
I left my car jacked up until they arrive. I'm not going to risk hurting myself.
Great video on replacing rear break shoes on dodge caravan, thanks a lot!
You're welcome
Can’t wait to do mine tomorrow
This video just got me out of a super shitty situation. Lol. Thank you so much for posting this!!!
Glad to help. Thanks for the good words!
Thank you.. for some reason I struggled today.. having done shoes / drum in a long time.
Great video brotha!!
Do brake drums auto adjust themself?
That's the idea. I was always told they self adjust when applying the brakes while in reverse.
Finally someone showing how to use those brake pliers, thank bunches
Wondering why, since you had the system torn down, you didn’t go ahead and replace the brake cylinders? They are inexpensive and should be replaced during a brake overhaul as a matter of course and good practice as is bleeding the brake fluid since water infiltration seems to have played its part in the problem being addressed.
good advice. guess I felt my plate was full at the time.
Awesome video, I did a brake job on a 2003 rear drum that was neglected, and I had to replace two cracked and leaking wheel cylinders along with the whole brake hose assembly. I hate the brake hose assembly, the nut that connects to where the brake fluid is distributed is a hassle, and a field of Christian curse words. But at least I now know I did the brake in the right order. Time to test drive.
You make great videos, stud.
Hate drum brakes but you have explained it well.Subbed and liked keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching and subscribing. I continue to put out the best DIY videos I can.
Whats is the name of the plate a 3:03 .... mine is to rusty to remove
Ever figure out the name of that plate. My caravan doesnt even have them. Old owner must have replaced the shoes long ago never put that plate on
any idea where i can find a replacement back plate for the lead shoe
I had really bad brake shoes on a 06 chrysler town and country. The car was running like nothing was wrong with it. I decided to replace drums, brake shoes and springs. I drove it on the freeway and i started feeling a pulsation and vibration when braking. I was told to replace the front rotors as well and the shaking is still there. I replace the drums and rotors twice according to the mecanich the rotors and drums were bad. I decided not to replace everything for the third time because i spent almost$ 500 . the pulsation and the shaking is still there when braking .as I mentioned didnt have this problem before replacing the brakes eventhough the rear drums and brake shoes were gone. Any suggestion?
I have a very similar situation happening on an older Caravan. I will begin working on the problem when I get back in a week from a winter getaway. I will share what I find if I am able to find a solution.
I did everything you did on the video but my ebrake will not auto adjust. I drove it in reverse and set the brake to get it to adjust but nothing. It is not even holding the car at all. Any suggestions?
I wonder if the adjuster is too far off. During dis-assembly the star-wheel may have strayed too far (inward) from the final position to allow the brakes to engage. You may have to manually move it back (outward) through the the backplate window. Unless something is broken or miss-seated that's all that comes to mind. Good luck!
Muy practico. Es muy útil para cambio de balatas. Ajuste o cambio De tambor. Una pregunta conque se lubrican los puntos de movimiento. van solo limpios. Gracias. Desde oaxaca.
what size needle nose vice grip did u use to remove and put the brake springs back on 4'' or 6'' and can u tell me witch side the emergency brake cable T is on the driver side or passenger side please and the videos where very helpful thank you for posting them cant wait to do the brake job!
I used 6" pliers. You might want to consider picking up a brake spring pliers for the upper spring. That spring is under high tension and very frustrating to remove and install with ordinary tools. The emergency brake cable runs along the driver's side. Thanks for watching and commenting and good luck with your brake work!
Always take off your "E" clip over grassy ground.... It will give you something to do over the next hour or so.
Thanks David for the nice job on this series. I wonder if you might have an answer to my problem with the emergency brake doesn't hold the car while in park. It seems that the cable is okay under the car and where it contacts other areas. I have a 2001 Grand Dodge Caravan Sport. It has the same setup that you show in your series. I took off my drums, no problem getting them off. I checked the material left on the shoes which is 5mm and seems to be at least 3/32 in before the rivets. Do you know if there's a cable adjustment to take out the slack in the cable do to stretching? I looked around and can't find any? I'm going to open them up again and try your adjustment procedure. Good old Firestone did the work in the past so not sure if they did it right?
Thanks again.
Colin Crosby Thanks for watching. I don't know of any adjustment other than the automatic adjuster (star wheel) within the drum itself. It would have to be greatly out of position to cause your problem though.The emergency foot pedal also adjusts automatically, according to my manual. So if the slack can't be taken out that way, I don''t know of anything else short of replacing cables.
hey thanks for the information I have the same problem the wheel on the passanger side is locked up I also have a broken brake line the long one that goes by the gas tank would u also change the wheel cyclinder to since I have to bleed the brakes anyway do u think this is a good idea its not leaking but since the brakes apart change it now or wait till its bad? what do u think
Yeah, why not change out the wheel cylinder while you're in there. It's not an expensive part and easy to replace.
The Original Mechanic
Right, it looks like it was leaking! Great video!!!
David you had to change the ebreak cables too ? why did you not adjust the break from the back side was it easier to do it from the outside?
I did not do the cables. I don't think there is another way to adjust the star wheel except that way.
Hi sir, how would you put that bracket on the cable if falls off. Thanks!
You will need to make some slack in the cable by pulling it toward the rear and holding it with a clamp or vice grip pliers. Then it can be put back in the bracket and the clamp removed.
@@TheOriginalMechanic I appreciate all your help sir, I kept reading the comment section, and saw you answered this question a while back. I got it back on the parking cable and its good to go. Thanks for all your help!!
Great video. Much better than other caravan drum brake tutorials. And the strap idea is genius. Just one question: do you need to do anything to secure the brake lines prior to disassembling the shoes?
How can i get the Actuator back on the cable??
I'm about to do my brakes as well, maybe I can post a video about it. With your directions, I hope it will be possible
New subscriber just because you made this video. 😁
Great to hear and thanks for subscribing . I'll continue to work to create more videos like this.
thank you sir
Is this the passenger or drivers side?
thnx for thie video was wondering if its the same on a 2002 dodge grand caravan if so can u please let me know me shoes are in really rough shape and last time i tried digging into rear drum brakes i couldnt get it back together im getting better with cars just want to know cuz if this is the case this looks easy
You're welcome. If you have rear drum brakes they should be the same as the 2000 Grand Caravan in this video. Good luck with your job!
Steven Arenz just follow the video. You'll do just fine! I just did mine in my van right before I wrote this.
hey man do u know how to reattach the emergency cable back on the back of the bracket? dont know how it goes back on mine fell off b4 i could see how it goes on iknow it has a hook looking thing how dose it go back on?
This happened to me too. Here is some text on what I did taken from my website: "...The lever can (and should) stay on the cable. This lever fits over the brake cable, which has a spring around it and a crimped on stop, wider in diameter on the end. Normally it will stay on the end of the cable. However, if it comes off, to re-fit it, it will be necessary to relieve some tension from the cable by pulling it toward the brake from under left side of the van and place a vice grip pliers against the last bracket before the brake to hold it. Now you should be able to pull back on the spring to expose the cable underneath and fit the lever over it."
Great video. Good job!
imagineinked Thanks and I really appreciate the comment.
You lucked out. Your parts aren't rusted to crap.
Thank you so much for the video!
+Evaristo Lopez You bet and thank you for watching and commenting!
hey man u helped me with my brakes have u ever replaced a lower control arm? same van either side?
Glad to hear the brake videos helped you out. No, I have not done the lower control arm on this van. I did do one on a Pontiac Grand Am last fall and made a couple of videos on it. Thanks for watching and good luck on your lower control arm.
The Original Mechanic OK thanks .... bye the way is the grand am "in principal" the same way to replace on my van? .... again thnx
John Steinmetz I just looked at my Haynes manual and the answer is more no than yes. This large bracket under the engine, the "cradle," is in the way and has to come off. I guess once that's off though, it might be similar.
Great video, could anyone tell me why after properly adjusting the shoe expansion on my drum brakes with the proper amount of contact with the drum the tire will not spin freely after it is installed. The drum is new but the shoes are the old ones that have about 80% of the pad remaining so I kept them as well as the hardware after cleaning it with brake cleaner, The cylinder looked good. The old drum With the old shoes would spin properly before I removed it. The shoes were adjusted with very little contact on the new drum yet the tire will barely spin when installed but as I said the old drum would spin properly when the tire was installed. Any ideas ? The drum is the proper one best I can tell.
What happens if the thingy falls off the parking brake cable?
+Hayley Belding Then you have to make up some slack in the cable to fit the bracket back on. I showed how to do that in part 2, I believe. Good luck with it. It's not that hard to get back on there.
Thanks! We ended up using 2 vise grips. One person pulled the vice grips apart, and the other slipped the bracket on. Now that it's done, our brakes are squishy. LOL. We're hopeless.
+Hayley Belding You're welcome. Thanks for the comment.
great teaching this is my first time for doing these type of brakes did them on a 2004 chevy Colorado it's a lot easier than a town and country ,,, thanks again for your help...
great video by the way
They way u use the pliers in part to is top part of the brakes u use the back of the pliers on the bottom you use the top side of the pliers
That's not the brake return lever it's the automatic adjuster lever.
Don't go through all this an leave the original wheel cylinders in it. New ones are $30 for two in 2024.
Well my brake line fell off that metal thingy and now I don't know how to force it back on. I wish you'd said more than "it's hard to get back on"! I'm ready to take a sledgehammer to the whole van.
A practice that can be helpful is to look at the brake on other side. Hopefully that connection is still assembled.
I eventually got it on lol. I didn't think that the spring pulled back but it did. It wasn't easy but I got it on. I put it together then couldn't get the little tension lever in behind the strut. I realized the notch on the strut goes to the front. I had to take it apart and turn it around lol. I painted the air blue but I got it done. Thank you for the video. It was helpful! I also learned how to put in new wheel studs. The tow truck driver snapped off three of them changing the tire.
Very helpfull. Thanks a lot!
Wide000 You're welcome and thanks for the comment!
The only problem was to place the double upper spring with the long nose vise grip... That was tough. I don't have the tool you are showing in the video. Anyway, your video saved my day. Thanks again.
to avoid removing the drum multiple times from the first time you adjust for drag ,,,just push parking brake once or twice to make them seat round to drum ,,,then next time you take drum off to adjust it should be your final attempt at getting the drag right
Thanks for watching and sharing this tip.
“Forgot to mention that the bottom cross brace holds the @&#$ brake lever in place (or out)
Tnks for You video
Can't get the springs on with just my hands 😂
Can't see what your doing .
Nothing like the drums on my 94 😠
My advice. Never buy a car with drum brakes. While your at it, change the hub.
Very helpful! Thank you very much!!