Chrysler Sebring 2002-2009 Rear Drum Brake Hardware Kit: A Mechanic's Guide
Fix rear brake noise and restore your parking brake's holding power by replacing the small parts that matter most.
- Crucially, first confirm if your Sebring is a Sedan/Convertible (not a Coupe) and if it has rear drum brakes (not discs).
- Always replace the hardware kit when replacing brake shoes to prevent noise and ensure proper function.
- A weak parking brake is a direct symptom of worn rear drum components; a new hardware kit is part of the solution.
- For this vehicle, quality aftermarket brands like Carlson, Centric, or Raybestos offer excellent value and are a smart choice over more expensive OEM parts.
Is This The Right Part For Your Sebring?
Important: Check Your Vehicle First
Before you buy any parts, you must check two things on your 2002-2009 Chrysler Sebring:
- Coupe vs. Sedan/Convertible: The 2-door Sebring Coupe (made from 2001-2005) was built on a Mitsubishi platform and uses completely different brake parts than the 4-door Sedan and the Convertible. This guide is for the Sedan and Convertible models only.
- Rear Disc Brakes vs. Rear Drum Brakes: Many Sebrings, especially higher trims with V6 engines, came with disc brakes on all four wheels. Base models, often with the 4-cylinder engine, used rear drum brakes. Look through your wheel spokes. If you see a bowl-shaped cover (the drum), this guide is for you. 🎬 Watch a visual guide to identifying Sebring rear drum brakes. If you see a flat, shiny disc (a rotor), you need disc brake parts instead.
Symptoms of a Worn Drum Brake Hardware Kit
When the springs and clips in your hardware kit get old, they stop doing their job. This can cause a range of problems. You might notice one or more of these signs:
- Scraping or Clicking Noises: Worn-out springs can allow the brake shoes to move around improperly, causing clicking or light scraping sounds from the rear wheels, especially at low speeds.
- Weak Parking Brake: If your parking brake handle pulls up much higher than it used to, or if the car doesn't hold securely on a hill, it often points to worn shoes and weak hardware that can't adjust properly.
- Brake Drag: Weak return springs may not pull the shoes fully away from the drum after braking. This drag can cause excess heat, poor fuel economy, and premature wear on your new brake shoes.
- Spongy or Low Brake Pedal: If the self-adjuster mechanism within the hardware kit fails, it can create too much space between the shoes and the drum. This forces the wheel cylinder piston to travel further, which can result in a brake pedal that feels soft or low.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Hardware Kit
For a daily-driven vehicle like the 2002-2009 Sebring, you do not need to spend extra money on dealership OEM parts. Quality aftermarket brands provide excellent performance and value, often meeting or exceeding the original quality. Here’s a breakdown of the available brands.
| Brand Tier | Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trusted Aftermarket Brands | Carlson, Centric, Raybestos, ACDelco, Dynamic Friction, Dorman | These brands offer reliable, cost-effective kits that are perfect for most owners. They are widely used by professional shops and DIYers. Forum discussions often praise Carlson for good fitment and value. Raybestos and Centric are also solid, commonly used choices. |
| OEM-Specialist Aftermarket | Crown Automotive | Crown specializes in parts for Chrysler-family vehicles. Choosing this brand can provide extra confidence in getting an exact fit that matches the original design. |
Pro Tip: Always Replace Hardware with Shoes
Industry experts and experienced mechanics agree: you should always replace the drum brake hardware when you replace the brake shoes. The old springs have been subjected to the same heat and wear cycles as the old shoes. Reusing them is a common cause of noise and performance issues after a brake job. For a small extra cost, a new hardware kit ensures a complete and lasting repair.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step walkthrough of a Chrysler drum brake job.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I really need to replace the hardware kit with my brake shoes?
Yes. It is highly recommended by all brake system experts. The springs lose their tension over thousands of heat cycles. Reusing old hardware is the number one cause of squeaks, rattles, and dragging after installing new shoes. For the low cost of the kit, it is cheap insurance for a quiet and properly functioning brake system.
Does one hardware kit fix both rear wheels?
Yes, a single drum brake hardware kit contains all the necessary springs and clips to service both the left and right rear wheels. You only need to order one kit per vehicle.
Why is my parking brake so weak?
A weak parking brake is a classic symptom of worn rear drum brakes. The system relies on the brake shoes being close to the drum. As the shoes wear down, the self-adjusters in the hardware kit are supposed to compensate. If the hardware is old or seized, this adjustment doesn't happen, leading to a parking brake lever that pulls up too high and doesn't hold the car. Replacing the shoes and hardware together usually solves this.
🎬 See how to properly adjust your Sebring's parking brake.Are there any recalls for my Sebring's rear brakes?
No, there are no specific recalls for the drum brake hardware on the 2002-2009 Chrysler Sebring. There was a major recall for a brake booster clip on some 2010 models, but this does not apply to the rear drum assembly of the earlier cars.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 04721948AB
Contains return springs, hold-down springs, clips, and adjuster components for both rear wheels.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chrysler Sebring: