Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 159

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
Fig. 3 Brake Assembly
1 – SUPPORT PLATE
2 – RETURN SPRING
3 – ANCHOR PLATE
4 – RETURN SPRING
5 – CABLE GUIDE
6 – PARKING BRAKE LEVER
7 – ADJUSTER CABLE AND SPRING
8 – SHOE RETAINER, SPRING AND PIN
9 – SECONDARY SHOE AND LINING
10 – LEVER SPRING
11 – ADJUSTER LEVER
12 – ADJUSTER SCREW ASSEMBLY
13 – SHOE SPRING
14 – PRIMARY SHOE AND LINING
15 – PARKING BRAKE STRUT AND SPRING
PARKING BRAKES
DESCRIPTION
The rear drum brake shoes serve as the parking
brakes. The parking brakes are operated by a system
of cables and levers attached to the rear brake sec-
ondary shoes.
OPERATION
The shoes make contact with the brake drum sur-
face by a cable and lever mechanism attached to the
secondary brake shoe. The front parking brake cable
is connected to the parking brake pedal and to the
rear cables. An intermediate cable is used on some
vehicles to connect the front and rear cables.
The parking brake pedal assembly is mounted on
the driver side cowl panel. The front cable is directly
attached to the assembly. The pedal assembly con-
tains a spring loaded mechanism to hold the pedal in
the applied position. A rod and spring are used to
release the ratchet mechanism and return the pedal
to normal position.
BRAKE HOSES AND LINES
DESCRIPTION
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front brakes
and at the rear axle junction block. Double walled
steel tubing is used to connect the master cylinder to
the major hydraulic braking components and then to
the flexible rubber hoses. Double inverted style and
ISO style flares are used on the brake lines.
OPERATION
The hoses and lines transmit the brake fluid
hydraulic pressure to the calipers and or wheel cyl-
inders.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM
Base brake components consist of the brake shoes,
calipers, wheel cylinders, brake drums, rotors, brake
lines, master cylinder, booster, and parking brake
components.
Brake diagnosis involves determining if the prob-
lem is related to a mechanical, hydraulic, or vacuum
operated component.
The first diagnosis step is the preliminary check.
PRELIMINARY BRAKE CHECK
(1) Check condition of tires and wheels. Damaged
wheels and worn, damaged, or underinflated tires
can cause pull, shudder, vibration, and a condition
similar to grab.
(2) If complaint was based on noise when braking,
check suspension components. Jounce front and rear
of vehicle and listen for noise that might be caused
by loose, worn or damaged suspension or steering
components.
(3) Inspect brake fluid level and condition. Note
that the brake reservoir fluid level will decrease in
proportion to normal lining wear. Also note that
brake fluid tends to darken over time. This is
normal and should not be mistaken for contam-
ination.
(a) If fluid level is abnormally low, look for evi-
dence of leaks at calipers, wheel cylinders, brake
lines, and master cylinder.
(b) If fluid appears contaminated, drain out a
sample to examine. System will have to be flushed
if fluid is separated into layers, or contains a sub-
stance other than brake fluid. The system seals
BRAKES 5 - 5