Serious Brake wear question on 2008 Caravan

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by QX, Nov 21, 2009.

  1. QX

    QX Guest

    I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, SXT, with the 4.0 liter, 6 speed.
    This model came with the 17" wheel standard. 90% of the time only one
    person, the rest of the time 2 persons are transported.
    Brake wear seems to be out of control compared to previously owned
    1997 Caravan ES, 3.8.

    At 11989 Front pads were 8+mm
    At 14710 Front pads were 2 mm
    Rear pads were 6+mm
    Front brakes were replaced.
    At 14770 Front pads were 7mm
    Rear pads were 6mm
    At 18842 Front pads were 7mm
    Rear pads were 2mm

    Does this look normal for the wear?
    I was under the impression that the front brakes did something like
    70% of the braking. On my last Caravan, I was getting like 50K on the
    rears. The 18842 figures were provided by the (5 Star) Dodge
    Dealer's "World Class Inspection" when I took it in for 18K service
    (oil/filter/rotate tires). The other numbers came from previous "world
    class inspection reports from the same dealer's service department.
    It just seems that the brakes are going much faster than they should.
    I am NOT a left foot braker. On long downgrades, I downshift the
    transmission into 4th or whatever is needed to maintain appropriate
    speed, and only touching the brake once in a while. I follow good
    driving practices, no excessive speed, slowing by taking my foot off
    the gas when I see slow traffic ahead, or a light getting ready to
    change.
    I have NEVER discovered that I was driving with the parking brake
    engaged.
    Could I possibly have a rear parking brake that's not totally
    releasing?
    Could there be a F/R balance valve that's not doing it's job?
    Any other suggestions?
    This is getting expensive at $300 an axle for brakes.
     
    QX, Nov 21, 2009
    #1
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