Thread: break pads
View Single Post
  #2  
Old 09-21-2006, 10:34 AM
neon_rt's Avatar
neon_rt neon_rt is offline
AF Enthusiast
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 833
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: break pads

I haven't done my Caravan myself, had it done at a shop. I've done some of my other cars though. You will need a caliper spreader (rent or buy) before you start. Also, if you have anti-lock brakes you can not simply spread the calipers like in the old days. When you start the procedure you want to open the bleeder valve slightly and allow the fluid to bleed out rather than be forced back through the anti-lock pump. Many times forcing the fluid backwards through the pump will damage it. Also, these Caravan's use semi-metalic pads on undersized rotors and disposable calipers. They are made to all be replaced at the same time. Often times a simple pad replacement will "get you by" for a short period of time but often leads to warped/cracked rotors and/or stuck calipers. I just experienced the stuck caliper problem at couple of weeks ago. I had the shop just replace the pads (this summer), knowing that I would have to revisit the brakes when I had more money. Sure enough, the drivers side caliper got stuck and burnt the pad down to the metal backing before I could get home (about 40 miles). Now I have new calipers, rotors and pads.
Reply With Quote