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Chrysler T&C/Dodge Grand Caravan brakes

68 messages,  Last post on Oct 06, 2009 at 4:33 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Brakes, Van

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#9 of 68 Re: going on third set of brakes [chp3ril] by hansienna May 20, 2007 (8:22 am)
Replying to: chp3ril (Apr 14, 2007 6:30 am) My 2002 T&C LX disc brake original pads had more than half the wear remaining when they were measured by the dealer at 36,390 miles. The 2002 T&C LX had an overall AVERAGE fuel economy of 22.3 MPG at that time. Best mileage was 28.2 MPG on a long 1409 mile round trip.   Based on my experience with the 02 T&C, the T&C have OUTSTANDING brakes for both stopping and lasting a long time. Replies to this message: xwesx (May 21, 2007 9:31 am) axr6 (May 30, 2007 8:05 pm) xwesx (Jun 10, 2007 10:28 am)
#10 of 68 Re: going on third set of brakes [hansienna] by xwesx May 21, 2007 (9:31 am)
Replying to: hansienna (May 20, 2007 8:22 am) original pads had more than half the wear remaining when they were measured by the dealer at 36,390 miles   That does not sound very good to me, but that is still quite a bit better than 6,000 miles!   I changed out the original pads on my '96 Legacy wagon at 144K for the fronts and 196K for the rears. The higher revving engine makes for less braking though. Replies to this message: axr6 (May 30, 2007 8:05 pm) xwesx (Jun 10, 2007 10:28 am)
#11 of 68 Re: going on third set of brakes [xwesx] by axr6 May 30, 2007 (8:05 pm)
Replying to: xwesx (May 21, 2007 9:31 am) I got an 2006 T&C a couple of months back. I live in a hilly area with some steep grades. The first time I descended on a steep grade my front brakes were smelling pretty bad. I was in driving in LOW (2nd gear). Not much engine braking in that gear.   Talked to a local mechanic and he told me that these vans have a real problem with brakes on hills. According to him there is some kind of sensor that puts nearly all braking power on the front wheels when sensing a down grade.   So, now I slow to 25 MPH on the steep down-hill and have the transmission shift into 1st and use that gear to descend. This way I practically don't touch the brakes the whole way.   Interestingly I also had a company car (GC) that had its brakes last 94K miles. But, it was driven mostly on level grounds. Replies to this message: xwesx (Jun 10, 2007 10:28 am)
#12 of 68 Re: going on third set of brakes [axr6] by xwesx Jun 10, 2007 (10:28 am)
Replying to: axr6 (May 30, 2007 8:05 pm) So, now I slow to 25 MPH on the steep down-hill and have the transmission shift into 1st and use that gear to descend. This way I practically don't touch the brakes the whole way.   I recently purchased a '98 GC, and I found the same thing. The only gear that provides any appreciable engine braking is 1st. I know its brakes will not last as long because I already find myself having to use them far more than on any other car I have ever owned. It really took some getting used to letting off the accelerator and not having it slow down right away. Then again, I would not want a 3.8L V6 running at 2800-3000 RPM at highway speeds as it would not make for very good mileage.... Everything is a trade off.
#13 of 68 Baby your Transmission by paulwoo Jun 12, 2007 (1:15 pm)
You will wear out the transmission and it will cost you $2000 for a rebuild. Weakest link in Chrysler Dodge Van products are their trany. It's cheaper to buy ceramic pads. They last longer. Replies to this message: xwesx (Jun 12, 2007 1:20 pm) paulwoo (Jun 12, 2007 2:31 pm) xwesx (Jun 12, 2007 4:03 pm)
#14 of 68 Re: Baby your Transmission [paulwoo] by xwesx Jun 12, 2007 (1:20 pm)
Replying to: paulwoo (Jun 12, 2007 1:15 pm) That seems to be the consensus of what I have read about them. My van has 172,000 miles on it, so I expect I should go as easy as possible on it. It's funny, really. I drove the van to work yesterday and hit the brakes at least 12 times. I drove my truck (1969 Chevy C20) today and hit the brakes twice - the second time was to stop in my parking space.   While on the topic, though, I was thinking about towing... is that a no-no for these things? Replies to this message: paulwoo (Jun 12, 2007 2:31 pm) xwesx (Jun 12, 2007 4:03 pm)
#15 of 68 Re: Baby your Transmission [xwesx] by paulwoo Jun 12, 2007 (2:31 pm)
Replying to: xwesx (Jun 12, 2007 1:20 pm) What I notice is that it free roll more than any other vehicle so you should plan ahead and save some gas. Is your Chevy a stick? This would explane why you don't use much brake.   It's OK to tow these things make sure they tow it from front and let rear wheels free roll.   I had to tow mine when the main board went bad at 86,000. It cost me $2000 for the board and 11days of rental and that doesn't include towing.   I did have 100,000 mile no deduction service contract from Chrysler. I paid $0, even free towing and free basic rental.   Thank God... Replies to this message: xwesx (Jun 12, 2007 4:03 pm)
#16 of 68 Re: Baby your Transmission [paulwoo] by xwesx Jun 12, 2007 (4:03 pm)
Replying to: paulwoo (Jun 12, 2007 2:31 pm) What I notice is that it free roll more than any other vehicle so you should plan ahead and save some gas.   I am working on that one and getting better at it. Even so, it takes a LONG time for it to slow down even a little (probably 1/4 mile to go from 60 to ~45). As for the truck, yes, it is a stick and geared very low at that! Unless I get caught by a surprise traffic maneuver from another motorist or a "last second red light" as happens occasionally, the brakes do not get used much. Still original pads on it at 38 years and 71K miles!   Regarding towing - Haha... I was intending to ask if it is okay to tow with them, such as a small trailer - like 2000# or less. I do not want to stress the transmission, but would like to have the option of towing. I am specifically thinking about a two-unit snow machine trailer with two sleds on board (~600# each).
#17 of 68 Re: going on third set of brakes [chp3ril] by barassa Sep 01, 2007 (4:38 am)
Replying to: chp3ril (Apr 14, 2007 6:30 am) Hi, I also have an '05 T&C and we've had incredibly bad brake life. I am getting about 12K per set if that. The dealer insinuated that my wife must drive with one foot on the brakes and that's what's causing the problem. I took it to Just Brakes (a mistake but that's another story) for the most recent set this past weekend. They said that due to heat buildup, and the device that disengages the brakes being made of plastic, the unit melts and does not disengage causing the front brakes to wear. Not only this, but I would have to assume (if their facts are correct) that it would have some bearing on the poor gas mileage I've gotten with this vehicle. We only get about 15mpg. I'm not sure if these facts are correct, but it certainly sounds plausible. Shouldn't Chrysler be responsible for a rebuild of these units?   Thanks!
#18 of 68 front wheels get very hot - dragging brakes by boiloff Nov 06, 2007 (12:49 pm)
2002 t/c limited , 60,000 miles. front wheels get very hot (i cannot keep my fingers on front wheels for more than 5 secs), after even very short drives (5 miles city driving). i have replaced the front disk pads and rotors (duralast from autozone), but problem persists. just like barassa, mileage is horrible (as low as 12 mpg city driving). has anybody experienced this, and what solved the problem?

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