Brake juttering and heating up

CHRYPLYDAUGHTER

MEMBER
1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
3.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Thank you in advance. I have a problem with my van that feels like a brake problem though I've had almost a complete overhaul done on the brakes. History: Van was fine, went on a seven hour trip up and down mountainous areas during heavy rainfall at times. Coming home, brakes were grinding quite heavily. Took it to a shop where they supposedly turned the back drums. Brakes were not grinding anymore but then I noticed that they were now having a slight jittery feeling in the pedal and steering wheel. I took the van on a test drive using the brakes a lot (about twenty minute drive) the front wheel hubs were very hot and especially on the passenger side (and no heat on the back). Took it to another shop for a brake safety check, they gave a complete okay, saying it may be a slightly warped drum. Still feeling comprehensive, I took it to another shop where they replaced the front calipers. That shop said all the front brakes looked okay, but the old calipers (that they replaced) did have some wear on them. So, I took it on another test drive using the brakes somewhat moderately (thirty five minute drive), and the the front hubs felt somewhat warm again but had more even heat, meaning one side was not hotter than the other, but the jitter - when I apply the brakes continues. I have had it to three different mechanics and need to go on another long trip with the same mountainous roads. I am so afraid to proceed though something doesn't feel right. Van stops fine though. Backing up to my first statement here. The first shop told me that the front brakes needed a complete overhaul but two other shops didn't find that to be the case. I replaced the front calipers as what I thought was a last ditch effort. Also, after the first shop worked on the brakes they felt a bit stiff under my foot, but after the second shop replaced the calipers, the brakes felt a little softer, the way they should. The jitter worries me and the way the front brakes heat. I'm not sure that the brakes in the front should heat like that?

2 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

Sounds like there are two main issues here. First the heating of the hub area on one side more than the other. Usually, this is caused by a caliper that is dragging. This means that the brakes are always slightly applied creating a large amount of heat.

For the next issue which I think is the main problem. The rotors, and possibly rear drums as well have been over heated and are warped. If you feel a vibration/jittery feeling in the steering wheel when applying the brakes, this is because they are warped. Again, this happens when the rotors are heated. This could have happened on your trip because when coming down a mountain people have a tendency to ride the brakes coming down and this constant pressure on the brakes overheats them and they warp.

Unfortunately, the only fix is to replace all affected components. I would suggest picking the shop that you feel the most comfortable with and then take the manager for a drive with you and show him what your issue it.

If all they are doing is looking at the brakes or taking it for a trip around the block, they will miss this which explains why they are telling you they look okay. They may look okay but they don't drive okay.

Please let me know if I missed something or am misunderstanding any questions that you have and I will be happy to clarify. Thanks

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Monday, May 13th, 2019 AT 7:05 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Hi guys. Lots of good answers and details, but I have a different solution. This happened to me twice on my Caravans, and once on a student's Neon.

Stop on a slight incline, shift to neutral, release the brakes, then observe if the van creeps down-hill on its own. I'll bet it does not. Place a block about a foot down hill of one tire so you don't look funny chasing after the van when the brakes let go. Crawl underneath and loosen the bleeder screws on the calipers. You'll see a little brake fluid spurt out, then the brakes will release. That proves the calipers are not sticking, and there was pressurized brake fluid trapped from returning back to the reservoir.

The elusive solution is to look at the metal bracket crimped around the rubber flex hoses. Rust builds up inside those crimps, and constricts the hoses. You can force brake fluid through the restriction with higher-than-normal pedal effort, but the fluid can't return on its own. Tho solution is to use a large flat-blade screwdriver or Channel Lock pliers to open up those crimps a little. This will also cause the higher and harder-than-normal brake pedal.

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