Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 373

original position. 

REMOVAL 

PARK BRAKE SHOES - DRUM IN HAT 

Fig. 93: Identifying Rear Park Brake Shoes & Axle Shaft 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Raise and support the vehicle.  

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.  

3. Remove the disc brake caliper, see REMOVAL.  

4. Remove the disc brake rotor, see REMOVAL.  

5. Remove the axle shaft (2). Refer to REMOVAL . 

Fig. 94: Identifying Brake Shoes 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

6. Disassemble the rear park brake shoes (1).  

CLEANING 

REAR DRUM IN HAT BRAKE 

Clean the individual brake components, including the support plate exterior, with a water dampened cloth or 
with brake cleaner. Do not use any other cleaning agents. Remove light rust and scale from the brake shoe 
contact pads on the support plate with fine sandpaper. 

INSPECTION 

REAR DRUM IN HAT BRAKE 

Fig. 95: Identifying Brake Shoes 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

As a general rule, riveted brake shoes (1) should be replaced when worn to within 0.78 mm (1/32 in.) of the 
rivet heads. Bonded lining should be replaced when worn to a thickness of 1.6 mm (1/16 in.). 

Examine the lining contact pattern to determine if the shoes are bent or the drum is tapered. The lining should 
exhibit contact across its entire width. Shoes exhibiting contact only on one side should be replaced and the 
drum checked for runout or taper. 

Inspect the adjuster screw assembly. Replace the assembly if the star wheel or threads are damaged, or the 
components are severely rusted or corroded. 

Discard the brake springs and retainer components if worn, distorted or collapsed. Also replace the springs if a 
brake drag condition had occurred. Overheating will distort and weaken the springs. 

Inspect the brake shoe contact pads on the support plate, replace the support plate if any of the pads are worn or 
rusted through. Also replace the plate if it is bent or distorted.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

INSTALLATION 

PARK BRAKE SHOES - DRUM IN HAT 

Fig. 96: Identifying Brake Shoes 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Reassemble the rear park brake shoes (1).  

2. Adjust the rear brake shoes (5). See ADJUSTMENTS. 

Fig. 97: Identifying Rear Park Brake Shoes & Axle Shaft 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

NOTE:

On a new vehicle or after parking brake lining replacement, it is recommended 
that the parking brake system be conditioned prior to use. This is done by 
making one stop from 25 mph on dry pavement or concrete using light to 
moderate force on the parking brake lever.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

3. Install the axle shaft (2). Refer to INSTALLATION .  

4. Install the disc brake rotor. See INSTALLATION.  

5. Install the disc brake caliper. See INSTALLATION.  

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

7. Lower the vehicle.  

ADJUSTMENTS 

REAR DRUM IN HAT PARK BRAKE (ROTOR REMOVED) 

Under normal circumstances, the only time adjustment is required is when the shoes are replaced, removed for 
access to other parts, or when one or both rotors are replaced. 

Adjustment can be made with a standard brake gauge or with adjusting tool. Adjustment is performed with the 
complete brake assembly installed on the backing plate. 

1. Raise vehicle.  

2. Remove tire and wheel.  

3. Remove disc brake caliper from caliper adapter. See REMOVAL.  

4. Remove rotor from the axle shaft. See REMOVAL. 

CAUTION: Before adjusting the park brake shoes be sure that the park brake lever is 

in the fully released position. If park brake lever is not in the fully released 
position, the park brake shoes can not be accurately adjusted.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro