Brake Rotor - Rear Single

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a single rear brake rotor on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including caliper and bracket removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance rotor

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
3. Lift the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at an appropriate jacking point.
4. Secure the vehicle on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Place stands under the rear axle or frame rails.
5. Remove the rear wheel completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper. Verify the exact caliper mounting bolt size against service documentation before beginning. Use a ratchet and socket to remove both slide pin bolts completely. The caliper should now be free to pivot away from the rotor.
2. 2

   Support and remove caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper away from the rotor and bracket. Do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Use a caliper hanger or mechanic's wire to secure the caliper to the suspension component above, ensuring no tension on the brake hose. The brake pads may come out with the caliper or remain in the bracket.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads if necessary
   If the brake pads remained in the caliper bracket after caliper removal, remove them now and set aside. Note the position and orientation of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts that secure the fixed caliper to the rear knuckle/hub carrier. These are torqued very tight; verify exact size against service documentation. Use a breaker bar or impact gun if necessary to remove both bolts completely, then remove the caliper.
5. 5

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub. The rotor may be stuck due to corrosion or a retaining clip. If stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge of the rotor from behind to break it free. Some rotors have threaded holes that accept bolts for pushing the rotor off - check for these if the rotor is severely stuck. Remove any rotor retention clip if present and discard if not reusing the rotor.
6. 6

   Clean hub surface
   Use a wire brush to clean the hub mounting surface where the rotor sits. Remove all rust, scale, and debris. This ensures proper rotor seating and prevents runout. Clean the wheel stud threads with the wire brush as well.
7. 7

   Prepare new rotor
   Remove the new rotor from packaging. If the rotor has a protective oil coating, spray it thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub surface (not the rotor friction surface). Do NOT get anti-seize on the rotor braking surfaces.
8. 8

   Install new rotor
   Slide the new rotor onto the hub, aligning the center hole with the hub pilot. The rotor should sit flush against the hub face. If the vehicle originally had rotor retention clips and you are reusing them, install the clip now over one of the wheel studs.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting bolt holes with the threaded holes in the axle hub. Install both caliper bracket bolts and hand-tighten. Torque the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Torque the caliper mounting bolts to the factory specification from service documentation before driving; do not rely on a generic estimate for this safety-critical, high-torque fastener.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake pads
    Install the brake pads back into the fixed caliper body in their original orientation, securing them with the retaining pins and anti-rattle spring. Ensure any anti-rattle clips or shims are properly positioned. The pads should slide freely in the bracket but not be loose.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support wire or hanger. Position the caliper over the brake pads and align the slide pin holes. Position the fixed caliper over the rotor and align the mounting bolt holes. Install both caliper mounting bolts and hand-tighten, then torque them to the factory specification from service documentation.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and install all lug nuts hand-tight. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to the factory specification (verify with service documentation) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack.
13. 13

    Bed in new rotor
    Before driving normally, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper pad-to-rotor contact and restore brake pedal firmness. Perform 5-10 moderate stops from 40-50 mph to properly bed in the new rotor and transfer pad material. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles to allow proper break-in.

Reassembly

1. Installation is the reverse of removal, following steps 7-13 above.
2. Always replace brake components in axle sets (both rear rotors) for balanced braking performance.
3. Torque all fasteners to specification - brake component security is critical for safe operation.

Verification

• Pump brake pedal several times - pedal should become firm and hold pressure.
• Check that the wheel rotates freely without dragging or rubbing sounds.
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed - brakes should engage smoothly without pulsation or noise.
• After initial test drive, re-check lug nut torque.
• Verify no brake fluid leaks at the caliper or brake hose connections.
• After bedding procedure, brakes should provide confident, smooth stopping power.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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