How to get drum pads off a 2000 dodge caravan

The pad drums of your 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan can wear with use. Heat buildup in the brakes can glaze, warp or crack the drum. If that happens, replacement of the drum is the only way to fix it. In most cases, you can remove the rear drums, replace them with a new set and leave the existing shoes on the van. Take a minute and inspect the brake shoes thoroughly while you have the drums off the van.

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear of your 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan with a lug wrench. Do not take them off the wheel studs.
2. Raise the rear of the van with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Place the stands under the rear suspension, making sure they are secure. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel studs and pull off the rear wheels.
3. Check the rear drum where the wheel studs come through for retaining clips. These are used during the manufacturing process; and if they are still on your van, they need to be removed. Pry the clip off the wheel stud with a flat head screwdriver and discard them. Most vehicles will have two clips on each brake drum.
4. Grasp the brake drum on the outer edges and pull it straight off the wheel studs and brake pads. Discard the old drum and slide the new drum into place, aligning the holes in the drum with the wheel studs. Push the drum in until it seats completely. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the van.
5. Position the wheel back on the wheel studs and install the lug nuts by hand. Raise the back of the van with a jack and remove the jack stands from under the suspension. Lower the van to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench.