town and country brakes, update

I updated yesterday in my other post, but figured done may not have caught that. The new pads did have the shims on already when I opened the package, so I didn't really notice them. I took them off, and now the brakes don't heat up so bad.

Unfortunately, when I was almost back from the test drive,a plastic y in the heater hose assembly split a little at the seam, and now it's disabled until that gets here. It's due for a flush and fill, so I'll probably bring the new hose along to the shop and have them do it while I'm at work.

The hose assembly alone is $110 locally from O'Reilly(dorman brand), and had real bad reviews. I got a Gates hose on it's way from Amazon for about 1/2, including expedited shipping. No reviews, but looks a little better quality.

Donovan from Wisconsin

Typically, the "shims" you tossed are some plastic-coated thin pieces of steel that are there to eliminated brake "noise", and have NOTHING to do with "shimming" ANYTHING.

Your REAL issue is sticky calipers or bad brake hose(s) that have collapses inward and are restricting the return flow of brake fluid back to the MC/reservoir.

it seems i deal with bad brake hoses all the time.

I have owned at least one of every generation Dodge Caravan, presently own a 2005 and a 2013. Have no idea how many total miles I have put on these things, my 94 had 260,000 on the clock when I sold it. The T&C is really a Caravan with fancier trim and would say I know a little about these vehicles.

Up until 2013 (and a few 2012's) the 2008 to 2016's had under size brakes. Chrysler made a bad decision and didn't fix the problem till sometime in 2012 when they started installing larger rotors, heavier duty calipers and 17 inch wheels. If you are shopping for a newer Caravan or T&C make sure you buy one with 17 inch wheels.

The Y tube issue is also a known problem. Some have simply replaced it with a copper T fitting from your local plumbing supplier. I believe there is a guy on eBay selling an aluminum replacement as some believe using a copper/brass fitting will create dissimilar metals issues in the cooling system.

Found it.. This is a kit that replaces the plastic Y tube and solves the problem forever.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALUMINUM-metal-Y-for-Chrysler-Town-Country-Dodge-Caravan-VW-Heater-Hose-/291841874299

All vehicles have unique issues but needless to say I am a big fan of the Caravan, I think they are the best value on the market for a multipurpose vehicle. I can haul 7 people in my 2013 then turn around, fold the seats into the floor and haul a full 4 X 8 foot sheet of plywood.

If your brakes are heating, your calipers are sticking. It's that simple. You can ignore the problem and replace your pads and rotors every few weeks, or you can fix the root problem. Your choice. Hopefully you won't kill or maim whoever you hit because your overheated brakes didn't stop your car in time.

I hear you.

I have an '05 Grand Caravan and my wife drives an '07 T&C. Even she admits the Dodge is more quiet and has a more solid feel than the Chrysler. You'd think it would be the other way around.

And, like you, I love the "Stow N Go" seats. My Dodge is basically a work van, so I usually have all the seats down except the one behind the driver.

Also agree, had an 03' Town & Country and put 225,000 on it. Great vehicle with no major issues. My 2013 has been good so far, only complaint is trans gearing -- middle gear ratios are too wide.

Don,who posted down below,is correct:your brakes are not fixed,and those 'shims' are not shims-they used to quiet the brakes.He has the most likely causes of brakes not releasing listed.Mark