Villager brakes

[jrathbun]

I have a 97 and need front brakes. Normally I'd be looking for a couple of big bolts to hold the calipers on but didn't find any on this van. I see two star bolts inside rubber boots. Are these the bolts that hold the calipers on? Did the manufacturers go and make up a special bolt once again making me purchase yet another single use tool?

Dulcidude

[jrathbun]

Yeah, I did have to buy a star bit for the brakes. It then took all of 1/2 hour to do both sets. If'n only everything were this easy. Now I've got to find out what that grinding noise is when the van turns. Sounds like either a water pump or the power steering. This van is getting way too much personality.

Jim

[IH8SPM]

The grinding noise is more likely to come from your cv axles. Checck them for rips and leaks.

[jrathbun]

I checked the boots while into the brakes and they looked pretty good. The grinding is more of a buzz from the front (center) of the engine.

[IH8SPM]

I have the same noise but I cannot figure it out. The axles and the brakes and the motor mount are due for change so if it works i'll let you know.

[jrathbun]

I was told to check my power steering fluid level. It's up to the max line so that wasn't it. I'm thinking it might be the water pump but why the grinding / rattling noise happens on especially a left turn is beyond me. Something needs lubing but what?

[IH8SPM]

I heard it might be the right front bearing in hub/spindle. He also recomended removing the cotter pin and tightning the cv axle nut a few more turns. Temp fix maybe I am going to try it.

[superdesi]

The noise will probably be the CV joints going bad OR the wheel bearings.
How many miles you have on the vehicle?

BTW, is the star bit also needed on the 1995 Villager model? I'm going to be doing my friends Villager's brakes and want to go ahead and purchase any specials bits before time.

[IH8SPM]

I fixed the problem. It turns out the CV where already worn when I bought the vehicle but they must have replaced the boots to cover up the obvious damage. The passenger side axle is actually two pieces. The outer which is what you see on makes the clicking noise or clacking. The inner part of the axle is actually held in place by a mount that look like piston rod and the acle rides thru it. In this part there is a free or should be free spinning bearing. If the bearing goes bad you will get a grunting or vibrating sound on turns to the left and on bumps or dips. This is all caused by a this inner bearing rubbing on the support. Know from what I was told by the mechanic this bearing never goes bad becuase you will usually hear the outer part going bad or the boot will be brocken a indicator that means its time to replace the whole axle. This shady but not to blame dealer did not know this was the problem and I said previously only masked the problem. Well it worked out in my favor because I got the van in 1/04 for only $2000 and it was and is in very good condition in and out oh mechanically too. So far I have only spent $1000 on the van and this includes a $400 dealer visit for the tps and emissons cleaning. Anyway change the whole axle and on both sides.