Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 370

(1). Use finger pressure to install and seat grommets. 

Fig. 75: Identifying Master Cylinder Reservoir 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

2. Start reservoir (1) and grommets into holes on master cylinder. 

Fig. 76: Identifying Reservoir & Tabs 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

3. Then rock reservoir (1) back and forth while pressing downward to seat it in the holes on the master 

cylinder. Make sure the four tabs are securely seated over the nubs (3).

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 77: Identifying Master Cylinder Reservoir 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Install the fluid level sensor (2) if removed by just inserting the sensor in the reservoir until the tabs click. 

Fig. 78: Identifying Reservoir, Fluid Level Electrical Connector, Brake Lines, Mounting Nuts & 
Booster Check Valve 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

5. Reconnect the electrical connector (3) to the fluid reservoir level switch.  

6. Remove the prop rod from the vehicle.  

7. Fill and bleed base brake system, see STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

SUPPORT PLATE 

REMOVAL 

SUPPORT PLATE 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 79: Identifying Support Plate & Attaching Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Remove wheel and tire assembly.  

2. Remove the disc brake caliper. See REMOVAL.  

3. Remove the rotor, see REMOVAL.  

4. Remove the axle shaft, refer to REMOVAL .  

5. Remove the park brake shoes, see REMOVAL.  

6. Remove the bolts (2) attaching the support plate (1) to the axle and remove the support plate (1).  

INSTALLATION 

SUPPORT PLATE 

Fig. 80: Identifying Support Plate & Attaching Bolts 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Install support plate (1) on axle flange. Tighten attaching bolts (2) to 115 N.m (85 ft. lbs.).  

2. Install the park brake shoes, see INSTALLATION.  

3. Install axle shaft, refer to INSTALLATION .  

4. Adjust brake shoes to drum with brake gauge. See ADJUSTMENTS.  

5. Install the rotor. See INSTALLATION.  

6. Install the caliper. See INSTALLATION.  

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

PARKING BRAKE 

DESCRIPTION 

PARKING BRAKE 

The parking brake is a hand lever and cable operated system used to apply the rear brakes. 

OPERATION 

PARKING BRAKE 

A hand operated lever in the passenger compartment is the main application device. The front cable is 
connected between the hand lever and the rear cables with an equalizer. 

The rear cables are connected to the actuating lever on each primary brake shoe. The levers are attached to the 
brake shoes by a pin either pressed into, or welded to the lever. A clip is used to secure the pin in the brake 
shoe. The pin allows each lever to pivot independently of the brake shoe. 

To apply the parking brakes, the hand lever is pulled upward. This pulls the rear brake shoe actuating levers 
forward, by means of a tensioner and cables. As the actuating lever is pulled forward, the parking brake strut 
(which is connected to both shoes), exerts a linear force against the secondary brake shoe. This action presses 
the secondary shoe into contact with the drum. Once the secondary shoe contacts the drum, force is exerted 
through the strut. This force is transferred through the strut to the primary brake shoe causing it to pivot into the 
drum as well. 

A gear type ratcheting mechanism is used to hold the lever in an applied position. Parking brake release is 
accomplished by the hand lever release button. 

A parking brake switch is mounted on the parking brake lever and is actuated by movement of the lever. The 
switch, which is in circuit with the red warning light in the dash, will illuminate the warning light whenever the 
parking brakes are applied. 

Parking brake is self-adjusting when the lever is pulled. The cable tensioner, once adjusted at the factory, should 
not need further adjustment under normal circumstances. 

ADJUSTMENTS 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro