Dodge Charger / Magnum
Chrysler 300 Rear Brake
Pad Replacement
Introduction
Does your Dodge Charger / Magnum or Chrysler 300 make noise in the back when you brake? If so, it might be time for new rear brake pads. Not to worry, this is an easy repair and
can be done in about an hour (maybe 2 if it's your first time). If you do decide to take on this procedure yourself please drop us a line and give us some
feedback on the content of this site. We're always trying to improve our content and we love
getting feedback from fellow Do-It-Yourselfers
Parts and Tools...
For this repair you'll need rear brake pads, a floor jack, a lug wrench, a C-clamp, and a 15mm and 18mm wrench. Prices for the replacement pads can vary from about $20 to $60 depending
on where you shop (even more for OEM parts from the dealer). In our experience most of the aftermarket replacement parts are good quality parts and perform well and Amazon has a wide
selection of options for these cars.
Removal and Replacement Instructions
(steps 1-12 of 12)
Put your car on a level surface and chock the front wheels (use a 2x4 in front of the front wheels if you don't have proper wheel chocks). Use a floor jack to
partially jack up one of the rear wheels leaving the tire touching the ground. Be sure and place the jack under the car where there is jacking point
(round rubber mounts just ahead of the rear wheels)
Use a lug wrench to loosen all (5) lug nuts and then completely jack the wheel off of the ground and remove the lug nuts and the tire/wheel
The rear brake caliper "slider" is held in place with (2) 15mm bolts. Using an 18mm wrench to hold the caliper retaining pin, use a 15mm wrench to
remove the (2) retaining bolts. Slide the caliper off of the rotor and place it on top of the rotor making sure not to let it fall.
Remove the old brake pads by simply pulling them out of the caliper body. The tend to come out easiest if you pull on side straight out then the otther.
Inspect the brake rotor for wear, deep grooves, warpage, etc. Our rotors were in excellent shape (smooth) so we just replaced the pads. If your rotors
are worn, grooved, etc., they may need to be turned or replaced. Most O'Reilly Auto Parts stores will "turn" your rotors for about $12 / each. If they are
too thin/worn to turn you'll need to replace them.
Install the new pads in the same fashion as you remvoved the old pads. Make sure they are seated all the way in the caliper.
Looking under the hood near the driver's side of the windshield, remove the plastic cover and then remove the cap from the master cylinder.
Using a C-clamp (or large pliers) compress the caliper piston slowly until it is seated in the caliper.
Once the piston is compressed you can slide the caliper back onto the new pads and reinstall the (2) 15mm bolts that hold the caliper on (see step 3).
Once the caliper is reinstalled, put the wheel back on and reinstall the (5) lug nuts.
Carefully lower the car until the rear wheel is just touching. Re-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the car to the ground, remove the jack and repeat the procedure for the other side.
Once you comeplete the other side, reinstall the master cylinder cap and the plastic cover.
Congratulations! You just replaced your rear brake pads and saved yourself some money (and gained the satisfaction
of doing it yourself). After you have washed your hands and drink your favorite beverage please drop us a line and give us some
feedback on the content of this site. We're always trying to improve our content and we love
getting feedback from fellow Do-It-Yourselfers
