I have a 1990 Dodge Caravan that needs calipers and ball joints. Is this hard to replace by yourself?

Question

Do I need any special equipment/tools?
Thanks

Answer 1

Calipers aren't too hard to replace, but for the ball joints you are going to need special tools to get the old ones out and the new ones in...I'd suggest letting a mechanic do those, especially since you've never done it before-as there is a tremendous amount of weight and strain on ball joints...and improperly installed ones can come apart or break. From personal experience I can tell you that you don't want to be driving at highway speed and have a ball joint break. To summarize, Calipers, ok...no special tools except a couple of wrenches and a c-clamp to compress the brake cylinder. Ball joints...let a pro do it. He already has the tools, and it's worth the few extra bucks to have them done right.

Hope this helped you out.

Answer 2

hey, i have done the same thing on my 84 chevy.may not be the same but calipers and ball joints are almost all the same.the ball joints should pop on out, use a hammer to knock them out, and the calipers are a sinch,just be sure to bleed the brake system again after having to release it from the calipers.you more than likely will have to remove the whole rotor and brake system from the wheels system,start with the ball joints then work your way to the calipers.good luck, time consuming..

Answer 3

Yes. But if you are not extremely skilled mechanic, I wouldn't even try to replace your ball joints. Calipers aren't that difficult but if you go with a professional to do the ball joints, they will have already taken everything apart anyway. If you do decide to tackle either project, do not rely on a car jack to prop the van up. Here is a link that tells how to do it even though I don't recommend doing it yourself. Good luck.

Answer 4

The brake calipers are fairly easy to replace. The ball joints I would leave to a professional. You can get the Chilton Manual for your van at the library to see for yourself. You may be able to look up the instructions somewhere on the 'net. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

do you know how to bleed brakes? If not then dont even try. And as far as the ball joints, give it to a mecahnic to do. and while your there have him replace the calipers too. But if you know how to bleed brakes then you shouldnt have to much problems. Just like doing a brake job just one step further. Take the caliper off and replace with new one then bleed brakes.