Compressing the rear disc brake caliper on 2008 grand caravan

You don't need to change the caliper, you need to adjust the brakes and the replace the brake pads..

You need to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper assembly to allow the new pads to fit over the rotor. A C clamp can be used to compress the caliper piston. Be sure to remove the brake reservoir cap before compressing the piston and remove excess fluid from the reservoir to prevent over filling.

Brake Pads
Removal & Installation
Front





3.4L front disc brake assembly









4.0L and 4.7L front disc brake assembly




To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of
   this section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   
   • Front wheel
     
   • Clip, 2 caliper pins, the anti-rattle spring then remove the 2 brake pads
     and the 4 anti-squeal shims

To Install:

CAUTION
Only replace brake pads on 1 side of the
vehicle at a time. Failure to use this procedure could cause the caliper pistons
on the opposite side of the vehicle to pop out requiring the reconditioning or
replacement of the brake caliper.

1. Remove a small amount of brake fluid from the master cylinder.
   
2. Install a used brake pad into the caliper and compress the caliper pistons.
   
3. Apply disc brake grease to both sides of the inner anti-squeal shims.
   
4. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • Anti-squeal shims to the new brake pads
     NOTE: When replacing worn pads, the anti-squeal shims must be replaced
     together with the pads.
     
     
   • 2 brake pads
     
   • Anti-rattle spring and the 2 caliper pins
     
   • Clip
     
   • Front wheel
   
   
5. Depress the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.
   
6. Check the brake fluid level and top off as needed.

Rear
To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of
   this section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   
   • Rear wheel
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   • 2 cylinder slide pins from rear caliper assembly
     
   • Caliper assembly from rear caliper mounting
     
   • 2 brake pads with anti-squeal shims from rear caliper mounting
     
   • 2 anti-squeal shims from each disc brake pads
     
   • Pad wear indicator plate from the inner side disc brake pad
     
   • 4 pad support plates from the rear caliper mounting

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • 4 pad support plates on the rear caliper mounting
     
   • Pad wear indicator plate on the inside brake pad
     Note: Install the pad wear indicator facing downward.
     
     
   • Anti-squeal shims on each brake pad
     
   • 2 disc brake pads with anti-squeal shims to the caliper assembly
   
   
2. Apply lithium soap base glycol grease to the sliding part of 2 caliper slide
   pins.
   
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • Disc brake caliper assembly with 2 caliper slide pins
     
   • Torque to 65 ft-lbs (88 Nm)
     
   • Rear wheel
   
   
4. Depress the brake pedal several times to seat the brake pads.
   
5. Check the brake fluid level and top off as needed.

--- Removal & Installation
Front
To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of
   this section.
   
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   
   • Front wheel
     
   • Front brake caliper assembly
   
   
3. Make matchmarks on the disc and the axle hub.
   
4. Remove the front disc.

To Install:

1. Align matchmarks and disc onto axle hub.
   
2. Install or connect the following:
   
   
   
   • Front brake caliper assembly with the 2 bolts
     
     
     
     1. Torque to 90 ft-lbs (123 Nm)
     
     
   • Front wheel

You need a caliper piston tool. Auto zone let me borrow one when I bought my brake pads from them. You use the tool along with your ratchet to turn the mechanism that compresses the caliper piston so that you can get the new pads in. Worked great for me on my 2008 caravan.

Removal & Installation Front To Remove:

1. Inspect the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Remove fluid from the reservoir until the level is lower then half way between the MAX and MIN levels.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Install 2 wheel nuts to secure the rotor on the hub.
4. Remove the bottom brake caliper pin bolt.
5. Pivot the brake caliper body upward and secure out of the way. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.
6. Compress the piston back into the bore using a C-clamp. Figure of brake assembly with caliper raised showing brake pads in mounting bracket
   
   
7. Remove the inboard and outboard brake pads from the brake caliper bracket.

To Install:

1. Install the brake pad retainers and both brake pads into the caliper bracket.
2. Pivot the brake caliper down over the brake pads and into the brake caliper bracket. Insert the lower brake caliper pin bolt and torque bolt to 70 ft-lb. (95 Nm).
3. Reinstall the tire and wheel assembly.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Refill the master cylinder. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads against the rotor.
6. Check the master cylinder level and add fluid as necessary.

Rear To Remove:
Rear disc pads R&I

1. Inspect the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Remove fluid from the reservoir until the level is lower then half way between the MAX and MIN levels.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Install 2 wheel nuts to secure the rotor on the hub.
4. Remove the upper caliper mounting bolt.
5. Pivot the caliper down to access the pads.
6. Remove the inboard and outboard pads from the caliper bracket.
7. Remove the brake pad clips from the caliper bracket.
8. Compress the piston back into the bore using a C-clamp and the old inner pad.

To Install:

1. Install new brake clips in the caliper bracket.
2. Install the inboard and outboard pads in the caliper bracket.
3. Pivot the caliper up over the pads.
4. Reinstall the upper mounting bolt and tighten to 32 ft. lbs. (44 Nm).
5. Remove the 2 wheel nuts securing the rotor.
6. Reinstall the tire and wheel assembly.
7. Refill the master cylinder. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the pads against the rotor.
8. Check the master cylinder level and add fluid as necessary.

you need a rear caliper piston tool. You can buy one or Auto zone will lend you one if you buy the pads from them. They have a universal tool that will work with several different makes and models. It worked fine on my 2008 Dodge Caravan. You just use your racket and turn the tool to open compress the caliper enough to get the new shoes in. Piece of cake.

Rear disc brake pads offer better performance and are not as affected by moisture like conventional brake shoe style brakes are. Rear disc brakes are similar to front disc brakes. The main difference is that rear disc brake systems must incorporate the emergency brake system. There are two methods widely used for the emergency brake with rear disc systems. The first system is a brake shoe inside the brake disc that is actuated by the emergency brake lever. The second is a screw style actuator inside the brake caliper. When activated the brake pads are forced into the brake disc and held tightly by the emergency brake lever.
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING
Step 1 - Identify Rear Disc Brake Components
Rear disc brake assembly includes; rear brake disc, rear brake pads, brake caliper mount and a caliper mounting screw. (Note: Some vehicles do not have the rotor mounting screw.)
Step 2 - Removing the Rear Brake Caliper Mount Bolts
To replace rear brake pads and rotors the rear brake caliper needs to be removed. First loosen the rear brake caliper mount bolts and remove them. Turn counter clockwise.
Step 3 - Lift Rear Brake Caliper from The Caliper Mount
After the caliper mount bolts have been removed, gently lift the brake caliper from the caliper mount. Inspect the caliper slides; they should move freely in the caliper mount. Remove rear brake pads and hardware.

Step 4 - Removing Caliper Mount Bolts
With a socket wrench or other appropriate removal tool, loosen the rear brake caliper mounting bolts. Remove bolts and lift the caliper mount and remove it from the vehicle. Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole. Tap the rotor gently to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing hub. Lift brake rotor from wheel hub holding on tightly, using both hands. You do not want to drop the rotor.

Step 5 - Removing Rear Brake Rotor
Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole, tap the rotor gently to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing hub. Lift brake rotor from wheel hub, hold on using both hands and do not drop.

Step 6 - Install New Brake Rotor
Check the new rotor against the old brake rotor to make sure they are the same size. Clean the mating surface on the wheel hub before the new brake rotor is installed. Reinstall rotor retainer screw.
Step 7 - Reset Rear Brake Caliper
Before new brake pads can be installed, the rear brake caliper must be reset. The reset tool winds the piston back into position so the new brake pads will fit. This style of brake caliper will not compress with a clamp tool; it can only be reset with the proper reset tool.
Step 8 - Reinstall Rear Caliper Mount and Install New Rear Brake Pads
After the caliper has been reset, reinstall caliper mounting bolts and make sure the bolts are tight. Then match up the old brake pads to the new brake pads. They should be exactly the same except, of course; the old ones will be worn out. Check the new brake pads for proper fit and install any brake hardware that is required.
Step 9 - Remount Rear Brake Caliper
Reinstall the brake caliper, align brake pad hardware and reinstall caliper mounting bolts. (Note: align the rear peg of the brake pad to the groove in the caliper piston.) Recheck and retighten all caliper and caliper mount bolts. Bleed brake system to relieve any air in the system. Before driving the vehicle, push the brake pedal down and let it up slowly. This operation forces the brake pads to travel to the brake rotors. DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE until proper brake pedal operation resumes. When test driving vehicle listen for any unusual noises during the operation of the brakes.
WARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury. Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Never move a car without proper brake pedal operation.

Chrysler Caravan/Voyager/Town and Country 1996-1999

CAUTION Older brake pads or shoes may contain asbestos, which has been determined to be cancer causing agent. Never clean the brake surfaces with compressed air! Avoid inhaling any dust from any brake surface! When cleaning brake surfaces, use a commercially available brake cleaning fluid.

1. Remove brake fluid from the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir until the reservoir is approximately 1/2 full. Discard the removed fluid.
2. Raise and safely support the of the vehicle. Remove the wheels.
3. Remove the brake caliper assembly that requires brake pad replacement.
4. Support the caliper out of the way with a strong piece of wire. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose or damage to the brake hose will result.
5. If necessary, compress the caliper piston into the bore using a C-clamp. Insert a suitable piece of wood between the C-clamp and caliper piston to protect the piston.
6. Remove the outboard disc brake pad from the caliper by prying the brake pad retaining clip over the raised area on the caliper. Slide the brake pad down and off the caliper.
7. Remove the inboard disc brake pad from the caliper by pulling the brake pad away from the caliper piston until the retaining clip on the pad is free from the caliper piston cavity.

To install:

1. Be sure the caliper piston has been completely retracted into the piston bore of the caliper assembly. This is required when installing the brake caliper equipped with new brake pads.
2. If equipped, remove the protective paper from the noise suppression gaskets on the new disc brake pads.
3. Install the new inboard disc brake pad into the caliper piston by pressing the pad firmly into the cavity of the caliper piston. Be sure the new inboard brake pad is seated squarely against the face of the brake caliper piston.
4. Install the outboard disc brake pad by sliding it onto the caliper assembly.
5. Install the brake caliper assembly.
6. Install the wheels and lug nuts. Torque the lug nuts, in a star pattern sequence, to 95 ft. lbs. (129 Nm). Apply the brake pedal several times until a firm pedal is obtained.
7. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder and add fluid as necessary. Road test the vehicle.

You can find more details and images about this repalcement in autozone.com (free register).

Hope helped with this. Good luck (remember rated this help).

they should screw in not compress

rate as fixya if this is what you need. Thanks

1. Remove the rear disc brake caliper (2K327).
2. Remove the brake caliper bolts.
3. Lift the rear disc brake caliper off the rear disc brake caliper anchor plate (2B582).

1. CAUTION: Do not allow grease, oil, brake fluid or other contaminants to contact the brake pads.
   Remove the brake pads by pushing inward and rotating the pad up.

1. NOTE: Use a block of wood or used pad to protect the piston and boots.
   Retract the caliper piston (2196) into the rear disc brake caliper.