Monday, March 10, 2014
Replacing Rear Drum Brakes on a 1996 Dodge Stratus
The rear drum brakes on your 1996 Dodge Stratus need to replacing half as often as the front brakes. Since the front brakes take the most strain when braking, they tend to wear down faster. You should inspect and replace the rear drum brakes on your Stratus if you start to hear a grinding noise as you slow down or stop. Backyard mechanics can save a significant amount of money by replacing the brakes at home instead of going to the repair shop.
Instructions
- 1
Raise your Stratus with the jack and set the jack stands on both sides of the rear axle. Lower your Stratus onto the two jack stands.
2Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench and slide the rear wheels off the axle.
3Clamp the brake drum puller hooks over the sides of the drum on the drivers side. Position the threaded center bar in the middle of the brake drum. Rotate the bar clockwise with the socket and ratchet to separate the brake drum and the hub.
4Locate the retaining springs linking the brake shoes with the hub, then pull them out with the pliers.
5Pull the brake shoes up and away from the brake drum and secure the replacement shoes in place with the retainer springs, using your pliers.
6Slide the drum over the shoes and hammer it into the axle with the rubber mallet. Repeat for the passenger-side rear drum.
7Push the wheels back onto the axle and use the lug wrench to replace and secure all of the lug nuts.
8Lift your car with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower your Stratus with the jack until it sits back on the ground. Then turn on your engine and pump your brakes by pushing down the foot pedal five times.
Monday, February 17, 2014
How to Change the Hub Bearings in a 1998 Dodge Stratus
Hub bearings are an important part of a 1998 Dodge Stratus as they play a large role in the steering of the vehicle. If you hear a grinding noise coming from any of the wheels on your vehicle, you should look to replace the bearings immediately. The process is simple and can be carried out from your garage.
Instructions
- 1
Engage the parking brake on the 1998 Dodge Stratus. Raise the vehicle with the car jack. Support the jack with the car stands.
2Loosen and remove the lug nuts on the wheel with the socket wrench. Lift the wheel from the vehicle and place it in a secure area.
3Remove the safety bolts attaching the brake calipers to the brake casing with a wrench. Caully remove the inner and outer bearings, marking their previous positions.
4Insert the new bearings into the hub. Align them correctly in position of the old bearings before inserting them. Use the old bearings or a wooden mallet to caully fix the bearings into place.
5Reattach the brake caliper to the brake casing. Secure the wheel back into place, fastening the lug nut with the socket wrench. Repeat the process on all four wheels. Test the Stratus on a quiet road to ensure that the bearings are fitted correctly.
