The hydraulic brake system is front/rear split on both the non-antilock and antilock braking systems. This means the
front brakes are on one hydraulic circuit from the master cylinder and the rear brakes are on the other.

Front disc brakes control the braking of the front wheels; rear braking is controlled by rear disc brakes.

Some vehicles are equipped with an optional antilock brake system (ABS) with traction control. This system shares
most base brake hardware used on vehicles without ABS. An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also available.
All components differing from the base brake hardware are described in detail in the Antilock Brake System section.

The parking brake on this vehicle is pedal-operated.

For more information on the description of any individual base brake component, refer to that component elsewhere
in this section. For information on the brake lamp switch, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERI-
OR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - DESCRIPTION)

WARNING

WARNING: Dust and dirt accumulating on brake parts during normal use may contain asbestos fibers from
production or aftermarket brake linings. Breathing excessive concentrations of asbestos fibers can cause
serious bodily harm. Exercise care when servicing brake parts. Do not sand or grind brake lining unless
equipment used is designed to contain the dust residue. Do not clean brake parts with compressed air or
by dry brushing. Cleaning should be done by dampening the brake components with a fine mist of water,
then wiping the brake components clean with a dampened cloth. Dispose of cloth and all residue containing
asbestos fibers in an impermeable container with the appropriate label. Follow practices prescribed by the
Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for
the handling, processing, and disposing of dust or debris that may contain asbestos fibers.

CAUTION

CAUTION: Use only Mopar

brake fluid or an equivalent from a tightly sealed container. Brake fluid must

conform to DOT 3 specifications. Do not use petroleum-based fluid because seal damage in the brake sys-
tem will result.

CAUTION: Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled on any painted surfaces, wash
it off immediately with water.

CAUTION: Never use gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, motor oil, transmission fluid, or any fluid containing min-
eral oil to clean system components. These fluids damage rubber cups and seals.

CAUTION: During service procedures, grease or any other foreign material must be kept off the caliper
assembly, brake linings, brake rotor and external surfaces of the hub.

BRAKES - BASE

5 - 3

CAUTION: Disc brake calipers are made of aluminum. They are anodized and appear black in color. When
handling the calipers or brake rotors, be careful to avoid damaging them, and avoid scratching or nicking
the brake pad lining.

CAUTION: Anytime the battery has been disconnected and is reconnected it is important that this be per-
formed properly. The vehicle may be equipped with systems that require special calibration processes.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

STANDARD PROCEDURE

BASE BRAKE BLEEDING

CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder cover, wipe it clean to prevent dirt and other foreign matter
from dropping into the master cylinder.

CAUTION: Use only Mopar

brake fluid or an equivalent from a fresh, tightly sealed container. Brake fluid

must conform to DOT 3 specifications.

NOTE: For bleeding the antilock brake hydraulic system, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

NOTE: Do not pump the brake pedal at any time while having a bleeder screw open during the bleeding
process. This will only increase the amount of air in the system and make additional bleeding necessary.

NOTE: Do not allow the master cylinder reservoir to run out of brake fluid while bleeding the system. An
empty reservoir will allow additional air into the brake system. Check the fluid level frequently and add fluid
as needed.

The following wheel circuit sequence for bleeding the brake hydraulic system should be used to ensure adequate
removal of all trapped air from the brake hydraulic system.

•

Right rear wheel

•

Left rear wheel

•

Right front wheel

•

Left front wheel

NOTE: Pressure bleeding is highly recommended to bleed this brake system to ensure all air is removed
from system. Manual bleeding may also be used, but additional time is needed to remove all air from sys-
tem.

The base brake system can be bled using the pressure method or the manual method. Both methods are presented
in this text.

PRESSURE BLEEDING METHOD

NOTE: Follow pressure bleeder manufacturer’s instructions for use of pressure bleeding equipment.

5 - 4

BRAKES - BASE

1. Remove filler cap from the top of fluid reservoir (2)

on master cylinder.

2. Install Adapter (1), Special Tool 6921, in the caps

place on the reservoir (2).

3. Attach Bleeder Tank, Special Tool C-3496-B, or

equivalent, to Adapter 6921 (1). Pressurize the sys-
tem following the pressure bleeder manufacturer’s
instructions.

NOTE: To ensure all air is bled from the ICU or
junction block in a timely manner, it is recom-
mended to raise the rear of the vehicle approxi-
mately 5° higher than the front or approximately
10–12 inches as measured at the rear bumper (1).

4. Raise and support vehicle placing rear of vehicle

approximately 5° higher than the front or if mea-
sured at the rear bumper (1), approximately 10–12
inches above level. It will be necessary to add
extra support stands under vehicle to support this
angle.

5. If installed, remove rubber dust caps from all four

bleeder screws on calipers.

6. Starting at the first wheel circuit as listed earlier,

attach a clear hose (1) to the bleeder screw at that
wheels brake caliper and feed the other end of
hose into a clear jar (2) containing enough fresh
brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose.

CAUTION: Open the bleeder screw at least one full
turn when instructed. Some air may be trapped in
the brake lines or valves far upstream, as far as
ten feet or more from the bleeder screw. If the
bleeder screw is not opened sufficiently, fluid flow
is restricted causing a slow, weak fluid discharge.
This will NOT get all the air out. Therefore, it is
essential to open the bleeder screw at least one
full turn to allow a fast, large volume discharge of
brake fluid.

7. Open bleeder screw at least one full turn or more to obtain an adequate flow of brake fluid.

BRAKES - BASE

5 - 5

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