Time for new brakes

"Long-Voyager" (long-voyager) 03/27/2018 at 07:14 • Filed to: wrenching, wrencheveryday, Mopar, rallyvan

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Calipers had seized causing the pads/rotors to glaze, so it was time to replace them:

Definitely in rough shape. So while getting parts, I decided I might as well upgrade:

Now she’s got Stoptech Sport Rotors, Akebono Ceramic pads, and new calipers. Got it all bled and adjusted the rears while I was at it, so she stops like a dream now.

Unfortunately when I was hanging the brake line up while I went to get the calipers, some fluid got on my serpentine belt, so now I have gorgeous squealy belt as well :(

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Long-Voyager 03/27/2018 at 07:30

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Nowhere near Just Rolled Into The Shop standard. For shame....

Stapleface > Long-Voyager 03/27/2018 at 07:49

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How many wacks with the Ford tool did you need to get those rotors off?

Side note, since you seem to be pretty darn familiar with 2nd gens, what has been your experience with the A604 transmission? Every Caravan/T&C/Voyager I’ve ever dealt with seems to have the problem where it just doesn’t want to shift unless it’s completely warmed up. Is there a known solution to that? Granted, this is a small sample size (4 vehicles), but it was enough of one for me to notice a pattern.

Long-Voyager > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 03/27/2018 at 08:04

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I try to keep my vehicles in top form.

I literally just checked everything over before we left for Minnesota this weekend, all seemed well.

Guessing the calipers went to hell when we were almost back home (had to slam on brakes for some dipshit).

McMike > Long-Voyager 03/27/2018 at 08:11

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New flex lines too, or just calipers?

Long-Voyager > Stapleface 03/27/2018 at 08:11

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The rotors came right off, no problem.

I love the A604 trans. I’ve had about 6 a604 vehicles, they’ve all served me very well, even with hard abuse.

If I notice a shifting issue, it’s usually a sign I need to change my fluid/filter. I do mine every 15-30k depending on how I’m driving it.

Mine will shift fine when it’s cold (maybe a little harder?), but it won’t go into lockup until it’s at operating temp. If that’s what you’re talking about, it’s normal and is done to protect the trans. If you mean it doesn’t want to shift properly, it’s likely a partially clogged pack, or the trans is just worn out, or your fluid/filter are junk.

People had a very bad habit of buying these, then never doing any trans maintenance, then complaining when their trans fails early. Given their 4qt fluid capacity, they need fluid/filter changes every 15-30k depending on driving habits.

Long-Voyager > McMike 03/27/2018 at 08:12

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Just calipers. I did the hoses the last time I replaced brakes as they are a common issue on these vans.

McMike > Long-Voyager 03/27/2018 at 08:25

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Good. Sometimes the hoses can be the cause of the seize. Happened to me once.

functionoverfashion > McMike 03/27/2018 at 10:04

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I clicked on your link, but I’m still curious. How did you determine that the flex hoses were causing seizing rotors?

I ask because my brakes stick a bit when it’s cold out, like below freezing and worse as it gets colder. Once the car warms up a bit, it’s better. This problem has followed from my old E46 to my new one, an ‘03 with 166k. I’ve replaced calipers all around as I’ve done the pads and rotors over time. The same was true for the old car. So, I live with it, but it drives me crazy. I also think it helps cause uneven pad buildup on my rotors, so that’s super annoying because I have to go through brake bedding every few months to get rid of the wheel shake under braking.

[deep breath] ANYWAY, how did you determine that your issue was caused by the flex hoses?

Long-Voyager > McMike 03/27/2018 at 10:10

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I had it happen on our 95 Sport and my built Acclaim, I know all about the hoses going to hell causing the calipers to seize. Easy way to diagnose is to try compressing the caliper with the hose attached. If it moves, generally the hose is fine. If it doesn’t, remove the hose and try compressing the caliper again. If it compresses without the hose, it’s the hose, if it still doesn’t, it’s the caliper.

dogisbadob > Long-Voyager 03/27/2018 at 11:36

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Coated rotors are awesome, but you should’ve gotten coated calipers too :p

Cardone Ultra or Napa Eclipse. The Napa Eclipse is the same as the Cardone Ultra, but the coating is black instead of silver.

Long-Voyager > dogisbadob 03/27/2018 at 13:39

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Being I needed it for work today, I was kind of on a tight schedule and O’Rielly’s is the only place that had calipers in stock, I got what I could.

I’ve checked a few times when I needed calipers, basic calipers are all I’m ever able to find. I usually just throw a coat of paint on them before install, they usually stay nice for a few years going that route.