Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 374

Fig. 98: Measuring Park Brake Drum Diameter 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

NOTE:

When measuring the brake drum diameter, the diameter should be 
measured in the center of the area in which the park brake shoes contact 
the surface of the brake drum.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 99: Reading Park Brake Drum Diameter 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

5. Using Brake Shoe Gauge, Special Tool C-3919 (1), or equivalent, accurately measure the inside 

diameter of the park brake drum portion of the rotor. See Fig. 98.  

6. Using a ruler (2) that reads in 64th of an inch, accurately read the measurement of the inside diameter of 

the park brake drum from the special tool. See Fig. 99. 

1 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3919
2 - RULER

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 100: Setting Gauge To Park Brake Shoe Measurement 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

7. Reduce the inside diameter measurement of the brake drum that was taken using Special Tool C-3919 (2) 

by 1/64 of an inch. Reset Gauge, Brake Shoe, Special Tool C-3919 (2) or the equivalent used, so that the 
outside measurement jaws are set to the reduced measurement. See Fig. 100.  

8. Place Gauge, Brake Shoe, Special Tool C-3919 (2) , or equivalent over the park brake shoes. The special 

tool must be located diagonally across at the top of one shoe and bottom of opposite shoe (widest point) 
of the park brake shoes.  

9. Using the star wheel adjuster, adjust the park brake shoes until the lining on the park brake shoes just 

touches the jaws on the special tool.  

10. Repeat step 8 above and measure shoes in both directions.  

11. Install brake rotor on the axleshaft. See INSTALLATION.  

12. Rotate rotor to verify that the park brake shoes are not dragging on the brake drum. If park brake shoes 

are dragging, remove rotor and back off star wheel adjuster one notch and recheck for brake shoe drag 
against drum. Continue with the previous step until brake shoes are not dragging on brake drum.  

13. Install disc brake caliper on caliper adapter. See INSTALLATION.  

14. Install wheel and tire.  

1 - RULER
2 - SPECIAL TOOL C-3919

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

  

15. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts in the proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half the specified 

torque. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 129 N.m (95 ft. lbs.).  

16. Lower vehicle. 

17. Road test the vehicle to ensure proper function of the vehicle's brake system.  

REAR DRUM IN HAT PARK BRAKE (ROTOR INSTALLED) USING ADJUSTMENT TOOL 

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. Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.  

2. Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated freely.  

3. Remove plug from each access hole in brake support plates.  

4. Insert adjusting tool through support plate access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting screw star 

wheel. See Fig. 101. 

CAUTION: Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal several times to ensure the 

vehicle has a firm enough pedal to stop the vehicle.

NOTE:

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 hand lever.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro