Chrysler Pacifica Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Maintaining your vehicle's braking system is paramount for safety, and for owners of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, understanding how to replace the rear brake pads can save both time and money. This detailed guide is specifically crafted for first-generation Chrysler Pacifica models (2017, 2018, 2019, and potentially 2020-2021) and offers a step-by-step walkthrough for replacing the rear disc brake pads and lubricating the caliper slider pins. While focused on the Pacifica, these instructions may also benefit owners of other FCA vehicles like the Town & Country, Grand Caravan, or Durango, given the similarities in brake system design. By following these instructions carefully, you'll ensure your Pacifica maintains its reliable stopping power.

Why Replace Your Pacifica's Rear Brake Pads?

Brake pads are a critical component of your vehicle's braking system, designed to wear down over time. Ignoring worn brake pads can lead to significantly reduced braking performance, increased stopping distances, and potential damage to other, more expensive braking components like the rotors or calipers. Common signs that your rear brake pads may need replacing include a squealing or grinding noise when braking, a noticeable pulsation or vibration through the brake pedal, or a visual inspection revealing that the pad material is thin, typically less than 3mm. Regular inspection and timely replacement are key to keeping your Pacifica safe and efficient.

Understanding Your Pacifica's Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

One distinctive feature of the Chrysler Pacifica is its electronic parking brake system, which controls the rear caliper pistons. Unlike traditional mechanical parking brakes, the EPB requires a specific procedure to retract the pistons for brake service. This is a crucial step that cannot be overlooked. To prepare your vehicle for rear brake pad replacement, you'll need to engage the 'Service Mode' via the UConnect LCD screen. This process electronically retracts the caliper pistons, allowing you to remove the old pads and fit the new, thicker ones. Failure to do so will prevent the caliper from being removed or reinstalled correctly.

Gathering Your Tools and Compatible Parts

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and parts. Having everything ready will streamline the process and prevent interruptions. For your Chrysler Pacifica, several compatible replacement sets of new rear brake pads are available. Here are a few reliable options with their part numbers:

• Power Stop 16-1901
• Callahan CPK01177
• Bendix CFC1901

In addition to the brake pads, you will need the following tools and supplies:

• Lug nut wrench (or tyre iron)
• Floor jack
• Two jack stands (for safety)
• Flathead screwdriver
• 7mm hex socket or 7mm Allen key wrench
• Tube of brake caliper grease (specifically for slider pins)
• Brake parts cleaner spray
• Safety glasses
• Optional: Disc brake piston tool (e.g., Lisle 28600), rubber mallet, torque wrench, bungee cord or twine.

Safety First: Preparing Your Vehicle

Safety is paramount when working on any vehicle. Always prioritise your well-being and follow these preparatory steps:

1. Drive your Pacifica onto a level, firm surface.
2. Place the transmission in 'Park' and turn off the ignition.
3. Apply wheel chocks to both sides of the front tyres to prevent any unintended movement of the vehicle.
4. Now, access your UConnect system. Navigate to the main menu, select 'Settings', then 'Brakes', click on 'Service Mode', and confirm 'Yes' to retract the parking brake. You will see 'Initializing Brake Service - Please Wait' on the screen, and you may hear the rear caliper pistons retracting. Wait until 'Park Brake Retracted' is displayed.
5. Slightly loosen the five lug nuts on the rear wheel you intend to work on first. Turn them about 1/4 to 1/2 turn counter-clockwise with the lug nut wrench. Do not remove them completely yet.
6. Carefully raise the rear of the minivan with the floor jack. Once lifted, securely support the vehicle with at least two jack stands. Never rely solely on the floor jack for support. It's often safer to work on one side of the vehicle at a time, keeping three tyres on the ground for added stability.
7. Spin off the five lug nuts completely in the counter-clockwise direction and set them aside in a safe place where they won't roll away.
8. Remove the rear wheel, exposing the brake caliper, bracket, rotor, and suspension components.

Step-by-Step Rear Brake Pad Replacement Guide

1. Removing the Caliper Spring Clip

The rear brake caliper is secured to the bracket by two bolts. Before accessing these bolts, you'll need to remove a metal spring clip attached to the outside of the caliper. This clip provides tension and helps prevent rattling. Put on your safety glasses. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the metal spring clip off the outside of the caliper. It can be under tension, so exercise caution. Once removed, set the clip aside in a safe place.

2. Accessing and Removing Caliper Bolts/Slider Pins

Next, locate the two black round plastic bolt covers on the back side of the caliper. Gently pull these covers off and set them aside. These covers protect the caliper bolts from debris. The caliper bolts also function as the caliper slider pins, which allow the caliper to move freely. Use a 7mm hex socket with a ratchet or a 7mm Allen key wrench to loosen these two caliper bolts. Rotate the bolts in the clockwise direction (as seen from the outside of the vehicle) to loosen them. Continue spinning them out in the clockwise direction until they can be fully removed. These bolts/pins are crucial, so keep them in a clean, safe spot.

3. Dislodging the Caliper

With the bolts removed, carefully lift the caliper off the old brake pads and out of the bracket. Be extremely careful not to put any stress, bend, kink, or pull on the rubber brake fluid hose connected to the caliper. This hose is delicate and vital for your braking system. You can rest the caliper gently on the rotor, or better yet, suspend it from the suspension spring with a bungee cord or some twine to prevent any strain on the brake line.

4. Removing Old Brake Pads and Inspecting Rotors

Now, remove the old inner and outer brake pads from the bracket. Pay close attention to where the wear indicator bars (sometimes called 'squeal' bars) are situated on the old pads. On this 2017 Pacifica, these indicators were typically at the bottom of both the inner and outer brake pads. Make a mental note for reinstallation. Thoroughly clean off the bracket, rotor, and lug studs with brake parts cleaner spray. This removes brake dust and old residue.

While the pads are off, it's an excellent time to inspect your brake rotors. If your Pacifica has been exhibiting vibrations, shuddering, or shaking in the rear end while braking, this is a strong indication that your rotors may need replacing. To replace the rotors, you'll need to remove the two larger bolts holding the brake bracket to the vehicle's hub. Pull off the entire bracket, then slide off the old rotor. If a rotor is stuck due to rust, a few firm taps with a rubber mallet on the rotor face (between the lug studs) should help loosen it. Install the new rotor by sliding it onto the hub and reattaching the bracket. Ensure all bolts are torqued correctly.

5. Installing New Brake Pads

The rear caliper on the Pacifica is not equipped with traditional pad abutment clips or 'anti-rattle' clips. Simply install the two new brake pads into the bracket. Ensure the wear indicator bars are situated at the bottom of both pads, matching the orientation of the old pads. Once seated, push the two new pads together until they are flush against the rotor.

6. Caliper Piston Retraction and Re-installation

The electronic parking brake system should have fully retracted the two caliper pistons. However, if the old brake pads were extremely worn and thin, the pistons might not be fully retracted enough for the thicker new pads. First, try lowering the caliper over the new pads to see if it fits. If it doesn't, you may need to manually compress the piston. The Chrysler Pacifica uses a screw-in type caliper piston. Do not use a 'C' or 'F' clamp, as this can damage the piston mechanism. Instead, use a disc brake piston tool (like the Lisle 28600) or a pair of needle-nose pliers to slowly turn the piston in the clockwise direction until it retracts fully into the caliper bore. Once retracted, carefully lower the caliper over the new pads and into the bracket, lining up the bolt holes in the caliper with their corresponding holes in the bracket.

7. Lubricating and Re-inserting Slider Pins/Bolts

For the caliper to operate smoothly and prevent uneven pad wear, the two caliper slider pins (which are also your caliper bolts) need to be well lubricated. Apply a generous amount of brake parts lubricant grease to the smooth, unthreaded parts of these combination caliper bolts/slider pins. Re-insert the two bolts/pins by hand a few turns in the clockwise direction to ensure they don't become cross-threaded. Then, tighten the two caliper bolts using your 7mm hex head socket and a 3/8" drive ratchet. Tighten them to just past hand tight, or ideally, to about 20 lb-ft (approx. 27 Nm) of torque if you have a torque wrench. Double-check that both bolts are securely tightened before proceeding.

8. Final Re-assembly

Push the round black plastic bolt covers back into place to protect the bolts from debris and corrosive road salt. Line up the metal spring clip and re-attach it to the outer edge of the caliper, ensuring it snaps securely into place.

If your brake pedal has been feeling soft or spongy, or if you suspect air might have entered the lines, it would be beneficial to bleed the brake lines at this time to remove any moisture or air bubbles. The brake fluid bleeder valve is located underneath a rubber cap on the back side of the caliper, just below the upper caliper bolt. While this guide doesn't detail the bleeding process, it's a critical step if your brake feel is compromised.

9. Wheel Re-installation and Post-Procedure Checks

Carefully push the rear wheel back into place, aligning the lug studs with the holes in the wheel. Spin on the five lug nuts a few turns by hand in the clockwise direction to prevent cross-threading. Then, slightly tighten the five lug nuts in a star or 'criss-cross' pattern with the lug nut wrench. Once the vehicle is back on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (typically around 100 lb-ft or 135 Nm for most Pacificas). Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and floor jack.

Before driving, enter the vehicle and pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. This re-seats the pads against the rotors. Finally, take your Pacifica for a slow, gentle test drive in a safe area to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly. Avoid aggressive braking for the first 100-200 miles to allow the new pads to properly 'bed-in' with the rotors.

Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your Pacifica

When selecting replacement brake pads, you'll encounter various types, each with different characteristics. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision for your driving style and needs.

Types of Brake Pads:

• Ceramic Brake Pads: Known for quiet operation, low dust, and long lifespan. Excellent for daily driving.
• Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Offer strong braking performance and good heat dissipation. Can be noisier and produce more dust than ceramic pads. Often used in performance or heavier vehicles.
• Organic (NAO) Brake Pads: Very quiet and gentle on rotors, but generally have lower stopping power and wear out faster. Best for light-duty, standard driving.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Performance Pads:

The text specifically addresses the question of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pads versus performance alternatives like Akebono.

As highlighted, OEM brake pads are not suitable for aggressive braking or heavy-duty applications like towing. For vehicles with higher demands, such as towing capacity or those with oversized tyres, Akebono Performance brake pads offer a significant upgrade, providing enhanced stopping power and durability for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are OE brake pads good for aggressive braking?

No, Original Equipment (OE) brake pads are generally not designed or suitable for aggressive braking. They are engineered to provide a balanced performance for typical daily driving conditions. For drivers who frequently engage in aggressive braking, tow heavy loads, or have performance-oriented vehicles, upgrading to a performance-oriented aftermarket pad, such as Akebono Performance brake pads, is highly recommended for improved stopping power and longevity.

How often should I replace my Pacifica's rear brake pads?

The lifespan of brake pads varies significantly based on driving habits, road conditions, and the type of pads. Generally, rear brake pads might last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles. It's advisable to have your brakes inspected at every service interval, typically every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, or immediately if you notice any signs of wear like squealing, grinding, or reduced braking performance.

What are the common signs of worn brake pads?

Key indicators of worn brake pads include a high-pitched squealing sound when braking (caused by the wear indicator), a grinding or metallic noise (indicating metal-on-metal contact, which is severe), a pulsating or vibrating brake pedal, increased stopping distances, or a visual inspection showing the pad material is very thin (less than 3mm).

Do I need to replace rotors every time I change pads?

Not necessarily. If your rotors are still within the manufacturer's minimum thickness specifications, show no signs of warping (no pulsations or vibrations during braking), and have no deep grooves or cracks, they can often be reused or machined (resurfaced) to provide a fresh surface for the new pads. However, if any of these conditions are present, replacing the rotors is highly recommended for optimal braking performance and safety.

Why is my brake pedal soft or spongy after changing pads?

A soft or spongy brake pedal after changing pads often indicates that air has entered the brake lines. This can happen if the caliper was allowed to hang by the brake hose, or if the brake fluid reservoir ran low during the process. The solution is to bleed the brake lines to remove any trapped air. If the problem persists, it could indicate a more serious issue with the brake system, such as a master cylinder problem or a leak.

Conclusion

Replacing the rear brake pads on your Chrysler Pacifica is a manageable DIY task that can save you a significant amount on garage labour costs. By carefully following these steps, paying close attention to safety, and ensuring you use the correct parts and tools, you can confidently maintain your vehicle's braking system. Remember, well-maintained brakes are fundamental to your safety and the safety of your passengers on the road. Drive safely and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained vehicle.

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