hi - thank you for the reply. What are the certain tools you refer to?
I gather one is like a sort of screwdriver to adjust the
clearance/drag. The other must be a spring compressor of some type, or
if I go to some auto store and thell them what I am trying to do, would
they know what I need?

thanks for putting up with what I am sure are dumb questions.

regards.

wrote:
> My apologies as I am not an expert mechanic like some folks here. I
> have searched the group and have found all sorts of issues on brakes,
> but not what I need. I am having news server issues so maybe I am
> missing something in the process.
>
> My rear brakes on my 2001 caravan make noise when I first start her up
> and take off, but it almost disappears after awhile. I am thinking it
> *may* need brake pads in the rear. I had them checked awhile ago, and
> they said something about ridges forming on the drum and cleaned them
> up (& of course charged me for it), but with little result. They did
> also tell me this is a common issue on caravans.
>
> Now - does anyone know of a site or a thread which tells a dummy like
> me how to go about checking/replacing the linings on the rear (non-ABS)
> brakes in a 2001 dodge caravan?
>
> Thanks for any and all information. Because of the news server issue,
> if you could copy any (polite!!? lol) response to
> it would be appreciated.
>
> regards.