DH is replacing the rear brakes and rotors on our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. I know this is a big shocker to all of you, given Dodge's wonderful track record with this particular part on this particular model .

Prior to finding out that the calipers need to be rotated, DH attempted to compress them. Now we are reading that they, indeed, need to be rotated to reinstall them and that compressing them can cause damage to the self-adjuster mechanism.

The job is still incomplete, as it has gotten dark out, and now we are wondering how we can tell if he's damaged the calipers or not.

We would love to just replace them, however money is tight right now and we're trying to just get the pads and rotors done.

Thanks in advance if you can help!!!

 

I would say probably not. Get them turned back in and see if they are leaking or not.

 

Probably not, because many ppl tried to compress it, found out it doesn't go in, and thought the caliper is frozen.
Unless you compressed it all the way in with like 1000 lb of force, then yes, u damage it.

Just rotate them, see if it goes in still. Might have to rent a special tool from part store tho.
remember, DO NOT rotate them to the bottom, other wise, it will get stuck in there. Just rotate them in enough to clear ur brake pads.

Remember to clean your brake caliper bracket, above and under the tin clips. other wise your brake pad will be stuck and wears out fast due to rust build up on the bracket.

after you finish your brake job, just apply the E-Brake, if the E-brake works, then u r fine.

keep us updated!

 

Thanks! DH wants to know if he can use a six-sided die tool to rotate the caliper?

 

Yes you can, but they can be a PIA to use. Because on top of turning it, you need to apply pressure as well. Other wise, there is a chance that it will just keep spinning without going in. But you can give it a try, just hold it down with one hand, and apply pressure on cube while turning it.

 

Ok, thanks!!!