OEM 2003 Dodge Stratus Brake Drum

2003 Dodge Stratus Brake Drum Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Reinstall a Brake Drum on 2003 Dodge Stratus?

  A: Before taking off the brake drum, be sure to raise the vehicle and take the rear tire and wheel assembly off. Pull or remove the brake drum from the mounted wheel studs connected to the hub. If the drum will not turn with the wheel, perturb the brake adjuster screw slightly to increase brake clearance. Using a coat hanger or heavy mechanics wire, construct a pawl release tool. After that, take out the plug from the butt end of the support plate close to the wheel cylinder. Slide the fabricated tool into the access hole, under the adjuster and against the lever pawl that's attached to and moves with the leading shoe. Always direct the tool slightly forward so that it makes good contact with the pawl in the leading shoe. Push the pawl backwards with the tool, while you turn the star-wheel down using a small screwdriver or brake adjustment tool. With the adjuster screw turned back enough, the drum should come off the wheel studs. After measuring, take the tools out and fit the tubes plug back into the support plate. Just prior to installing the drum, look at the brake shoes to make sure there is no wear, they are properly aligned and there are no contaminants; replace or fix them as needed. Before assembly, wet wire brush the hub, drum and wheel mating surfaces if there is any rust or unwanted material located there. Clean off any substance formed on the drum's machined outside at the brake, then use a brake shoe gauge to fit the shoes against the drum's diameter. Initially, attach the brake drum to the hub and bearing, next install the tire and wheel assembly and finally tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.). Lower the truck down and give it a road test, checking that the truck stops when you apply the brakes in any direction since the automatic-adjuster will be still making adjustments to the brakes.