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Vans & Minivans Chrysler/Plymouth Voyager, Dodge Caravan 98 Grand V-ger with intermittant soft brake pedal
19 messages, Last post on Mar 30, 2009 at 2:31 PM
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From receipts that came with the vehicle: the previous owner complained of a soft brake pedal in October '07, so the brakes were checked and bled. In November '07 there's a receipt for a new master cylinder. I bought the van in August '08 and the brakes have been fine until recently. Now, every once in a while, in no apparent pattern and for no reason I can discern, the pedal goes almost to the floor before I get any action. Pumping once brings the pedal back to normal. I've had it checked at a brake shop and there are no leaks anywhere or any problems they can identify - in fact, they were unable to duplicate the problem after two days of testing. Before I commit to further work (read: parts replacement) at a shop, I though I'd see if there's anyone out there who's had similar problems and found the answer. Master brake cylinders should last for for years (the van only has 110,000 km on it) so I think there might be something else going on... Paul
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Replying to: lpaulcarter (Nov 27, 2008 11:22 pm) rob |
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Hi This message comes from a "brother across the pond" I have a 2000 GV 3.3ltr petrol Auto with A/C. & I have just started with the braking problem like Paul. Likewise I was wondering if it was the booster ( is that what we would call the servo assisted brake ?). It is very frightening when it happens, more so because I have just paid £300 out on body repairs (wifes fault of course) Will let u know if we find out the cause. Could I ask, I need to replace the radiator & wondered if it was a difficult job because of the air conditiong. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Tel 
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Replying to: tel4 (Mar 27, 2009 6:14 am) Of course the master cylinder itself and not the booster may be at fault especially in a high humidity environment like Ol' Blighty that may cause internal corrosion and premature seal failure. Have you had the brake fluid changed at all uptill now? The radiator is straightforward even with air-con, but please be careful with the transmission oil cooler within the left hand tank of the radiator. Make sure you get a quality replacement and that the plumbing is done right, otherwise you will need a new transmission soon after the radiator. Good Luck mate. 
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Replying to: tel4 (Mar 27, 2009 6:14 am) 
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Replying to: joepeterson56 (Mar 27, 2009 6:31 am) Two alternatives to taking the vehicle in, and I do not recommend either of them if one has not seen them done beforehand, is to use a pressure bleeder or cycle the ABS pump directly by hooking up wires depending on the type of vehicle.
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Replying to: vcheng (Mar 27, 2009 6:31 am) anti-freeze and fan cooling. This dealer told me that the extra coolers were usually only installed on the vans manufactured and sold with towing packages, unless the buyer specified that he wanted one and had it put in at time of purchase. He also told me that the ones with the extra cooler had much lees problems and failures than the ones without them. Having done this on my 97 when I personally replaced the tranny, I am a believer. Happy motoring!
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Replying to: joepeterson56 (Mar 27, 2009 6:40 am) |
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Replying to: vcheng (Mar 27, 2009 6:37 am) I did bleed them all(cars) 4 times, and have also Vacumn Bled them, but none of that has fixed the problem. As far as your reccomendation, I would prefer option # 2 of jumping out the ABS system with jumper wires to engage the system, but cannot seem to find a wiring diagram for any of these systems that will tell me where and which wires to jump out. My mechanic buddy says he does not like or approve of the pressure bleeders. Why I don't know.
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Replying to: joepeterson56 (Mar 27, 2009 6:59 am) If you are that much into servicing your own vehicles, and I hope so, then an investment in factory service manuals will pay you several times over.
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