1999 Dodge Grand Caravan: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Aug 15, 2007 · Engine · 89,000 miles · VA

In feb 2007, a new mopar serpentine belt was installed on my 1999 dodge grand caravan (89,000 miles) by a local dodge dealer. After one week belt started a loud squeal. At the suggestion of mechanics I tried belt dressings, sprays and wire brush, all with no help to the problem. One mechanic suggested I replace the plastic pulley on my properly working tensioner with a metal pulley. This I did with no help. All pulleys were checked and found o.k. Dealer installed another belt in june of this year. Same problem after one week. Ended up going to local independent repair shop (not dealer) and they installed "kit", which corrected problem. "kit' consisted of belt with grooves on both sides and idler pulley and tensioner pulley with grooves. Problem solved. The dodge dealer never heard of this "kit"....come on dodge boys, get with it!!!!

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · MA

When braking consumer heard a grinding noise coming from the front brake pads. Consumer was still having problems after repairs. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Oct 25, 2004 · Brakes · PA

Had a complete check done on van before leaving for a long vacation trip. At this check it was found that the front brake pads needed replacement. We did so thinking this was normal maintenance. Less than two months later we noticed a squeaking noise from front of vehicle and within one day after trying to make a stop at a turning lane after going approximately 25mph the brake went to the floor. Took to garage and front brakes had gone to the rotors. We have been having them checked every four weeks due to the horrible squeaking noise we continue to hear.

Filed May 27, 2004 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · WI

While driving on the highway at 65 MPH there was a sudden grinding noise. A technician inspected the vehicle and determined that the transmission was falling apart and that the vehicle shouldn't be driven. The consumer spoke to the dealership who indicated that these transmissions have a high failure rate, but they didn't indicated what is causing the failure.

Filed Apr 17, 2002 · Brakes · IL

Consumer heard a grinding coming from the front of vehicle. Took to a mechanic and they stated the left rotor needed replacing. Consumer feels this was unsafe because the brake could have failed. Nlm

Filed Apr 16, 2002 · Brakes · IL

There was a grinding noise coming from the front of vehicle. Took vehicle to a mechanic, and mechanic stated that front left rotors needed replacing. There was no warning. Please provide any further information.

Filed Mar 31, 2001 · Transmission · AK

Without warning, while driving 55mp, heard clunking, grinding, felt jerking. Pulled over to find transmission fluid pouring out. Found large pieces of transmission on highway. Thankful we weren't going faster or on a freeway. Car continued to roll easily while in park. Had to use emergency brake to park vehicle. Had daimler extended warranty, but extremely dissatisfied with them now. Been 1 week now, still being repaired. Warranty only gave a too small replacement vehicle for 5 days(we needed all the van's 7 seats to transport our family). It is expected to take a total of 11 or more days to repair. We have also had trouble with the key in this van. We will probably never buy another dodge vehicle, as we have multiple problems with our last van too. We thought that was because it had been previously wrecked, before we bought it. We would be glad to discuss this with anyone. Thank you.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Brakes · IL

My brakes have been squeaking and grinding since about a month after we bought the car brand new. I have had the van into the dealership numerous times with complaints about it and only once, after my brake warranty expired did they feel the need to inform me that the front brakes were shot and the master cylinder for the back brakes was defective due to a leak. It has now been abut two months since the new brakes were put on and we had the van in again for the same problems. This time the dealership told us there was a large buildup of metallic residue which was causing the problem. They replaced the front brake pads again at no charge but noew, a week to the day later, my brakes are starting to squeak again. My warranty on this van in general is almost up. I want to make sure that this problem as well as the other minor ones I have with the van are corrected once and for all.

Filed Sep 16, 1999 · Brakes · CA

While applying brakes noticed a grinding noise which resulted in extended stoping distance.