Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 375

Fig. 101: Brake Adjustment
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

5. Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when wheel is

rotated.

6. Push and hold adjuster lever away from star wheel with thin screwdriver.

7. Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake drag is eliminated.

8. Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure adjustment is equal at both wheels.

9. Install support plate access hole plugs.

10. Lower vehicle.

11. Apply park brake hand lever and make sure park brakes hold the vehicle stationary.

1 - STAR WHEEL
2 - LEVER
3 - BRAKE SHOE WEB
4 - SCREWDRIVER
5 - ADJUSTING TOOL
6 - ADJUSTER SPRING

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

12. Release park brake hand lever.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 BRAKES Base - Service Information - Nitro

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT

Body - Nitro

WARNING

WARNING - CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

WATER LEAKS

Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing, improper body component alignment, body seam porosity, missing
plugs, or blocked drain holes. Centrifugal and gravitational force can cause water to drip from a location away
from the actual leak point, making leak detection difficult. All body sealing points should be water tight in
normal wet-driving conditions. Water flowing downward from the front of the vehicle should not enter the
passenger or luggage compartment. Moving sealing surfaces will not always seal water tight under all
conditions. At times, side glass or door seals will allow water to enter the passenger compartment during high

WARNING:

Use an OSHA approved breathing filter when spraying paint or solvents in
a confined area. Personal injury can result.

Avoid prolonged skin contact with petroleum or alcohol - based
cleaning solvents. Personal injury can result.

Do not stand under a hoisted vehicle that is not properly supported
on safety stands. Personal injury can result.

CAUTION: When holes must be drilled or punched in an inner body panel, verify

depth of space to the outer body panel, electrical wiring, or other
components. Damage to vehicle can result.

Do not weld exterior panels unless combustible material on the
interior of vehicle is removed from the repair area. Fire or hazardous
conditions, can result.

Always have a fire extinguisher ready for use when welding.

Disconnect the negative (-) cable clamp from the battery when
servicing electrical components that are live when the ignition is
OFF. Damage to electrical system can result.

Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on painted surfaces.
Damage to finish can result.

Do not use harsh alkaline based cleaning solvents on painted or
upholstered surfaces. Damage to finish or color can result.

Do not hammer or pound on plastic trim panel when servicing
interior trim. Plastic panels can break.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro

pressure washing or hard driving rain (severe) conditions. Overcompensating on door or glass adjustments to
stop a water leak that occurs under severe conditions can cause premature seal wear and excessive closing or
latching effort. After completing a repair, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped before returning vehicle
to use.

VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK TESTS

Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body drains are clear, and body components are properly aligned
and sealed. If component alignment or sealing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of this article for
proper procedures.

WATER LEAK TESTS

When the conditions causing a water leak have been determined, simulate the conditions as closely as possible.

If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open-ended
garden hose.

If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds in a steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable
velocity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the spray in a direction comparable to actual conditions.

If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simulate
this condition. This method can be used when the leak occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or turns.
If the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the front of the vehicle. If the leak occurs when braking, hoist the
back of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left turns, hoist the left side of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on
right turns, hoist the right side of the vehicle. For hoisting recommendations. Refer to STANDARD
PROCEDURE .

WATER LEAK DETECTION

To detect a water leak point-of-entry, do a water test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming on the
inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove interior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the leak area. If
the hose cannot be positioned without being held, have someone help do the water test.

Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable length of time to become apparent. When a leak appears,
find the highest point of the water track or drop. The highest point usually will show the point of entry. After
leak point has been found, repair the leak and water test to verify that the leak has stopped.

Locating the entry point of water that is leaking into a cavity between panels can be difficult. The trapped water
may splash or run from the cavity, often at a distance from the entry point. Most water leaks of this type become
apparent after accelerating, stopping, turning, or when on an incline.

MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD

When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can also be

WARNING:

Do not use electric shop lights or tools in water test area. Personal injury
can result.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Body - Nitro