1999 Plymouth Voyager brakes problems

Filed May 21, 2011 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · NY

I have seen on certain chrysler models, especially minivans, with the 2-pin floating caliper design that the surface of the steering knuckle where the brake pads ride wears away and can cause the affected wheel to lock up either during a stop or after the brake pedal is released. This is caused by the brake pads wedging in the groove. If this were to happen during a brake application, the vehicle could veer into oncoming traffic, causing an accident. I have also noticed that the mounting design (ie: bolts and slide pins,) is flawed. The bolts are too short and do not make enough contact with the threads, especially after routine brake maintenance the holes can become stripped. Chrysler recommends a torque of 119 in/lbs or 16 ft/lbs (source: alldata 2011 llc,) although when torqued to specification, the bolt threads strip out. If the bolts were to be loose or ultimately fall off the vehicle, the caliper will ride on the inside of the wheel, making noise or locking the wheel during any driving maneuver; which can lead to a crash. Correction to the failing knuckle is simple if found early enough. The edges can be ground down to allow the pads to move smoothly, shims can be added to compensate for the removed material and a decent high-temperature brake grease should be used on the sliding surface. Correction to the caliper mounting hardware is thread repair with a helicoil set for 9mm bolts. It would be nice to have extended bolts available (metric grade 10.9,) from the manufacturer. Too often than not I have seen these problems where brake maintenance is almost/over due.

Filed Oct 5, 2009 · Brakes · 8,500 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 plymouth voyager. While driving approximately 60 MPH, he attempted to engage the brake pedal and noticed that the brake pedal was non-responsive. He drove the vehicle to his residence and notified a repair shop. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop and a mechanic stated that the brake line failed. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The current and failure mileages were approximately 85,500. **10/14/09 cw added additional info. Updated 10/14/09.*jb updated 10/29/09 *cn updated 10/29/09

Filed May 8, 2008 · Brakes · 28 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chrysler voyager. While driving between 5-10 MPH, the vehicle would not stop. The failure has been occurring everyday since the vehicle was purchased. The brakes have been inspected each year. The contact stated that the brakes are not grabbing. The current mileage was 204,000 and failure mileage was 28.

Filed Jan 23, 2008 · Brakes · 104,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 plymouth voyager. While driving 65 MPH, the brake line failed. The dealer stated that the entire brake line was badly corroded. The contact stated that it was a catastrophic failure that should have never occurred. The current and failure mileages were 104,000. Updated 02-14-08.

Filed Feb 10, 2006 · Brakes · 66,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50mph brake pressure was applied and the vehicle had an increased stopping distance. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop. The mechanic suggested replacing the antilock brake booster assembly. Although the problem persisted, no repairs were made.

Filed Oct 20, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 1,800 miles · MD · crash

Dt: the contact complained about brake problems. There have been three accidents as a result of the brakes not completely stopping the vehicle. When applying the brakes the vehicle lurched forward. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the brake problems.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Brakes · 27,000 miles · CA

When applying brakes in a sudden/emergency stop vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. Vehicle had been to dealer on three occasions, and they were unable to duplicate the problem.

Filed Oct 21, 2004 · Brakes, Seats · 194,000 miles · OK

While driving 72 MPH, the driver's seat back collapsed backward, almost hitting the floor, because both rear seats were removed to carry cargo. The driver barely kept a grip on the steering and pulled himself up and was able to maintain control of the van. The driver removed the side panel of the seat and noticed that a plastic piece inside the panel had broke. The dealership has been contacted. The cause of piece breaking has yet to determined. The following day when the emergency parking brakes was disengaged, the lever broke off in the consumer's hand.

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Brakes · 32,000 miles · GA

I have had the brakes worked on 4 different occasions now. Continual loss of brake fluid. When making a left hand turn brake light will come on. Master cylinder has been replaced all brake shoes have been replace, along with calipers. Two weeks passed and brake light starting to come on again, and there was fluid loss. Took van back in approx 3 weeks ago to be worked on, and brake light is now coming on again, and staying on longer each time.

Filed May 19, 2004 · Brakes · VA

While applying the brakes brake pedal went down to the floor, causing a loss of brake power. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the master cylinder needed to be replaced due to worn out parts.