Brake Pads - Rear

Replace rear brake pads on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including caliper service and hardware lubrication.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent premium ceramic/semi-metallic pads
• Brake hardware kit (anti-rattle clips, shims) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 brake fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Chock the front wheels securely to prevent vehicle movement.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or designated lift points.
5. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands rated for at least 3 tons, positioned under the rear axle or frame rails.
6. Remove both rear wheels completely and set aside.
7. Clean the brake assembly with brake parts cleaner to remove road debris and dust before beginning work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Visually inspect the rear brake rotors for excessive scoring, cracking, or heat discoloration. Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir (located in the engine bay). If fluid level is at or below the MIN mark, investigate for leaks before proceeding. Measure rotor thickness with a micrometer if available to ensure rotors are within service limits before installing new pads.
2. 2

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before removing the pads, compress the caliper pistons to make room for the new, thicker brake pads. Note that this vehicle uses a fixed opposed-piston caliper, so pistons on both the inboard and outboard sides must be compressed evenly. Use a pad spreader or suitable tool to gently push the pistons back into their bores, working both sides evenly to avoid cocking a piston. This will push brake fluid back into the master cylinder reservoir—monitor the reservoir and remove fluid with a turkey baster if necessary to prevent overflow.oir and remove fluid with a turkey baster if necessary to prevent overflow.
   ⚠Compressing the piston will raise the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Do not allow the reservoir to overflow, as brake fluid damages paint.
3. 3

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper-to-knuckle mounting bolts on the caliper body. These bolts secure the fixed caliper to the hub carrier. Using a socket wrench, remove both mounting bolts completely. Keep these bolts organized as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove caliper from rotor
   With the caliper mounting bolts removed, carefully lift the fixed caliper straight off the rotor. The caliper will still be attached to the vehicle by the brake hose—do not let the caliper hang by the hose. Support the caliper by hanging it from the suspension or chassis using a wire hanger or zip tie. Do not disconnect the brake line unless caliper service is required.
5. 5

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. The pads may be held in place by anti-rattle clips or retaining springs—carefully remove these as well. Note the orientation and position of all hardware, shims, and clips for correct reassembly. Inspect the caliper bracket for excessive rust or debris buildup.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect caliper bracket and slides
   Use a wire brush to clean the pad abutment/contact surfaces inside the caliper where the pads seat. Remove all rust and debris. Inspect the pad retaining pins and anti-rattle spring/clips for damage or corrosion. Inspect the piston dust boots for tears. Clean components with brake cleaner and wipe dry.
7. 7

   Lubricate caliper hardware
   Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad abutment/contact points where the pads seat in the caliper and to the pad retaining pins, avoiding excess that could attract dirt. Do not apply grease to the friction surface of the pads or rotors.
8. 8

   Install new brake pad hardware and pads
   Install the new anti-rattle spring/clips and hardware from the brake hardware kit into the caliper according to the manufacturer's instructions or the orientation noted during removal. Install the new brake pads into the caliper, ensuring the friction material faces the rotor and the pads are properly seated and retained by the pad pins and anti-rattle spring. The wear indicator (if present) should be positioned according to the pad manufacturer's specification, typically on the inboard pad and pointing downward or rearward.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper onto bracket
   Carefully place the caliper back over the rotor and new brake pads onto the hub carrier. Align the two caliper mounting bolt holes with the knuckle. Ensure the brake pads remain properly seated within the caliper.
10. 10

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Insert both caliper mounting bolts through the caliper and into the knuckle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads if specified. Thread the bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then torque both caliper mounting bolts to the factory specification (verify against the FSM; typical fixed-caliper mounting bolt torque is on the order of 100 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Repeat steps 2 through 10 for the opposite rear brake assembly. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to wheel installation. Both rear calipers must be serviced together to maintain even braking performance.
12. 12

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Position the rear wheels onto the hubs and hand-thread all lug nuts to secure the wheel. Do not fully torque the lug nuts while the vehicle is on jack stands. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the floor jack until the wheels just contact the ground with slight weight on them (not fully lowered).
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle weight partially on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star (crisscross) pattern using a torque wrench. After torquing, fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack. Verify all lug nuts are properly torqued by rechecking each in the same star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Pump brake pedal and verify brake fluid
    Before moving the vehicle, sit in the driver's seat and pump the brake pedal slowly several times until it becomes firm. The first few pumps will feel soft as the caliper pistons extend to contact the new pads. Continue pumping until pedal feel is normal and firm. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top off with the fluid specified on the reservoir cap (DOT 3 or DOT 4) to the MAX line if necessary.
    ⚠️Do not attempt to drive the vehicle until the brake pedal is firm. Failure to pump the brakes will result in no braking power and certain collision.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps.
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
3. Do not reuse damaged or corroded hardware—replace with new components as needed.

Verification

• Start the engine and pump the brake pedal several times. Pedal should be firm and not sink to the floor.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (parking lot or quiet street) at 5-10 mph to verify brakes engage properly without noise, pulling, or vibration.
• Perform a moderate-speed brake test at 25-30 mph to verify proper braking performance and pedal feel.
• After the first 50-100 miles, recheck rear wheel lug nut torque and verify no brake fluid leaks are present.
• Allow 200-300 miles of moderate driving for proper pad break-in (bedding). Avoid aggressive braking during this period.

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