7.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$530
Average Mileage:
50,550 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. keep well lubed and change pads often (1 reports)
  2. lube and clean pins (1 reports)
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan brakes problems

brakes problem

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2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Owner Comments

problem #2

Aug 082017

Grand Caravan Crew 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,465 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

$1071 to replace two calipers and rotors (due to the damage caused by the calipers)??????????????

This issue started about six months ago, after our unusual and particularly nasty winter. As soon as the weather got better, I took apart the brakes and inspected them. I found the pads to be seizing on to the rotors. So I cleaned them and lubed them (including the piston and handbrake cable). The issue went away for a while two months, then came back intermittently. Lately, the wheel got so hot after a particular high-speed stint on the freeway I could not touch it bare-handed; however, there was no smoke, just the smell of smoke.

I took it into Columbia Dodge today and was told they would be inspected as part of service package #5. I received a much-dreaded call, telling me the passenger-side rear caliper was seized and that it had heat-cycled so many times, the pad had melted and cracked and glazed over the rotor. I was told the ideal thing would be to change both calipers and rotors as the driver's side caliper might also seize and the pads were half worn.

Keep in mind, this price does not include the price for a set of lifetime warranted brake pads which would add another $150-250 to the price.

In total, I spent over $2100.00 CDN on the van today with half of the proceeds going to the replacement of two brakes.

Seriously though, I can't say enough good things about Columbia Chrysler service staff. Very upfront and caring.

- Juan G., Richmond, BC, Canada

problem #1

Jun 112013

Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,616 miles

Back left caliper seized while driving down the highway cause loud rubbing and smoke. Had it towed to the dealer.

Dealer replaced that caliper and rotor and pads on both sides. Also paid to have the front done.

Have taken it to the dealer every spring to have the brakes cleaned and lubed since.

This fall when I put the winter tires on, I inspected, cleaned and lubed all four brakes. The bake left slide pin was seized again. Just 7 months after I paid the dealer to serve them.

All I can say, is if you are a DIYer gets some new pins and rubber boots, grease, torque wrench and have peace of mind making sure the job is done right.

BTW I'm sick of waiting at the dealer for things to be fixed.

Update from Nov 20, 2017: Everytime, I change the winters I clean and lube all the pins. Having extra new pins and boots is handy.

Update from Feb 18, 2018: The rear parking brake auto adjuster and/or everytime you press the brakes, the rear caliper piston screws out more. Especially on the driver's side.

The caliper piston never ever adjusts back thus keeping a bit more pressure on the back plate of the inboard pad versus the outboard pad. Notice how it's always only the one inside pad that wears, even when the pins and pad guides are high-temperature silicone lubed every fall and spring. Same caliper for 2008-2016.

- Randy P., Merlin, ON, Canada

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