Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 357

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Raise and support the vehicle.  

2. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.  

3. Drain a small amount of fluid from the master cylinder brake reservoir with a clean suction gun.  

4. Bottom the caliper pistons into the caliper by prying the caliper over.  

5. Remove the caliper mounting bolts (1).  

6. Remove the disc brake caliper (2) from the adapter (4). 

7. Remove the inboard and outboard pads (3).  

INSTALLATION 

PADS-DISC BRAKE-REAR 

Fig. 16: Caliper Assembly 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Install the brake pads (2) to the caliper adapter.  

2. Install caliper (1) to the rotor and then install the caliper mounting bolts (4), see INSTALLATION.  

3. Install wheel and tire assemblies and lower vehicle, refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

4. Apply brakes several times to seat caliper pistons and brake shoes and obtain firm pedal.  

5. Top off master cylinder fluid level.  

PADS-DISC BRAKE-FRONT 

CAUTION: Never allow the disc brake caliper to hang from the brake hose. 

Damage to the brake hose will result. Provide a suitable support to 
hang the caliper securely.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 17: Identifying Caliper Mounting Bolts, Disc Brake Caliper, Inboard/Outboard Pads & Adapter 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Install the inboard and outboard pads (3).  

2. Install the caliper (2). See INSTALLATION.  

3. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

DISC BRAKE CALIPERS 

DESCRIPTION 

DISC BRAKE CALIPER 

The calipers are a single piston type. The calipers are free to slide laterally, this allows continuous 
compensation for lining wear. 

OPERATION 

DISC BRAKE CALIPER 

When the brakes are applied fluid pressure is exerted against the caliper piston. The fluid pressure is exerted 
equally and in all directions. This means pressure exerted against the caliper piston and within the caliper bore 
will be equal. See Fig. 18. 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 18: Brake Caliper Operation 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - CALIPER
2 - PISTON
3 - PISTON BORE
4 - SEAL
5 - INBOARD SHOE
6 - OUTBOARD SHOE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fluid pressure applied to the piston is transmitted directly to the inboard brake shoe. This forces the shoe lining 
against the inner surface of the disc brake rotor. At the same time, fluid pressure within the piston bore forces 
the caliper to slide inward on the mounting bolts. This action brings the outboard brake shoe lining into contact 
with the outer surface of the disc brake rotor. 

In summary, fluid pressure acting simultaneously on both piston and caliper, produces a strong clamping action. 
When sufficient force is applied, friction will attempt to stop the rotors from turning and bring the vehicle to a 
stop. 

Application and release of the brake pedal generates only a very slight movement of the caliper and piston. 
Upon release of the pedal, the caliper and piston return to a rest position. The brake shoes do not retract an 
appreciable distance from the rotor. In fact, clearance is usually at, or close to zero. The reasons for this are to 
keep road debris from getting between the rotor and lining and in wiping the rotor surface clear each revolution.

The caliper piston seal controls the amount of piston extension needed to compensate for normal lining wear. 

During brake application, the seal is deflected outward by fluid pressure and piston movement. See Fig. 19. 
When the brakes (and fluid pressure) are released, the seal relaxes and retracts the piston. 

The amount of piston retraction is determined by the amount of seal deflection. Generally the amount is just 
enough to maintain contact between the piston and inboard brake shoe.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro