2000 Chrysler Town & Country Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Master Cylinder

Except Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager

The cylinder body containing the primary and secondary pistons is made of aluminum. The removable fluid reservoir is made of nylon reinforced with glass fiber. The reservoir is the only serviceable component.

The fluid compartments of the nylon reservoir are interconnected to permit fluid level equalization. The equalization feature does not affect circuit separation in the event of a front or rear brake malfunction. The reservoir compartments will retain enough fluid to operate the functioning hydraulic circuit.

Caravan, Town & C...

Master Cylinder/Power Booster Test

• Start engine and inspect booster vacuum hose connections for leaks.
• Stop engine and shift transmission into neutral.
• Pump brake pedal until all vacuum reserve in booster is depleted.
• Press and hold brake pedal under light foot pressure. Pedal should hold firm. If it falls away master cylinder is faulty.
• Start engine and note pedal action. Pedal should fall away slightly under light foot pressure, then hold firm.
• If no pedal action is felt, the power booster, vacuum supply or vacuum check valve are faulty. Proceed to "Power Booster Vacuum Test."
• If p...

Brake System Bleed

The base brake system must be bled anytime air is permitted to enter the hydraulic system. However, anti-lock brake system components should only be bled if the hydraulic control unit has been removed or if there is reason to believe that air has entered the unit. The ABS portion of the braking system must be bled separately. Under most circumstances, only the base brake system will require bleeding. If the anti-lock brake system must be bled, proceed as follows:

• Ensure all brake system components are installed and all hydraulic lines are connected securely.
• Conne...

These self contained vacuum hydraulic power braking units are of the vacuum suspended type. They use engine intake manifold vacuum or a vacuum pump along with atmospheric pressure for their power, eliminating the need for a vacuum reservoir. A mechanically operated control valve, with integral vacuum power diaphragms, controls the degree of brake application or release depending on amount of foot pressure applied to...

Brake Drums

Any time the brake drums are removed for brake service, the braking surface diameter should be checked with a suitable brake drum micrometer at several points to determine if they are within the safe oversize limit stamped on the brake drum outer surface. If the braking surface diameter exceeds specifications, the drum must be replaced. If the braking surface diameter is within specifications, drums should be cleaned and inspected for cracks, scores, deep grooves, taper, out of round and heat spotting. If drums are cracked or heat spotted, they must be replaced. Minor scor...