TWO INDIVIDUAL ITEMS.

1. When I took my 2003 durango in for the wiper motor recall the did a brake system check. This wasn't a check in the sense of all lines, calipers.rotor etc.. but basically a machine they put it on, with a scale that simulates panic stops and measures how equally the brakes apply, converted to a number and this number is in lb ft. Without getting into all the tecnicial aspects the real brakes came up failed as in it took them much more pressure to apply and get equal stopping distance., aka rear calipers had to dig in further. I suspect this is one of a couple of things. 1. Bad calipers, 2. worn pads or 3 worn rotors. Any ideas of what they could be, since this was a used purchase I am probably going to crack the tires this weekend and do a full brake inspection on both wheels. The dealer seems to suspect Calipers, which I guess wouldnt hurt to replace, but they are expensive. I am planning on a total brake replacement of all pads, and rotors first, and get a retest. If it stilll fails, then I might be forced to start replacing calipers. While I am kind of on the subject about brakes, has anyone seen a real distinct advantage in ceramic brake pads, besides cutting down on the dust or does it even do that? I am just trying to make sure it isnt a marketing scam...

ITEM TWO:

Has anyone heard of a dealer having to reprogram the ABS controller when tire sizes are changed I. E going from 265/70 down to 245/70. I am planning on replacing the set, and the alignment guy says not reprogramming the computer will give the ABS "AMBER ALERT" message on the dash. Is this guy in bed with the dealer, or is it something I need to check into. Any Idea of how much a dealer will charge if the reprogramming is necessary?

 

1. I never heard of this type of test so I cannot say anything.

2. I think this is bogus. Because you are just changing the width of your tire, it will not affect tire rotational speed ratio. Now if you changed your tire height aspect, say from 245/70 to 245/50 or 15 inch tire to 17 inch tire or something like this, this might affect abs controller as it senses the rotational speed of the tire.

 

As for the ceramics vs. stockers CERAMICS ARE THE WAY TO GO! I got mine about 8k miles ago and I don't get brake fade at all with themand I can stop a lot easier than the stockers. The thing that made me switch initially was the horrible noise coming from them even though I still had half of the pads left to go. Do a search on here about them and you will get some more info.

 

Tire width shouldn't be an issue, only tire height. I'd ask them if they really know what they are doing and then ask for their reasoning that width makes a difference to the ABS controller. IF they have a real reason, I'd be interested in finding out what it is.

IndyDurango

 

Thanks for all the input. I will just change back to 245/s and go with it. If for some reason the ABS Caution does come on, soon after the new tires, I should have somewhat of an idea what it is I thought is sounded kind of hokey, but wanted to check out. MeanGreen, thanks for the input on the brakes, I think I might step up and suck up the dead presidents $$$$$ at least for the front to try them out. This is the first vehicle I have had with 4 wheel disc brakes. It was the alignment tech who was talking about the ABS controller, andsince there is a Chevy and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer all within about2-4 minutes of the alignment place, he might be on their kickback I mean "Professional Referral" list. The technical reson given by the alignment tech is reprogramming ot the performance parameters of the new size tire, since the new tire is about a 1/2 inch narrower and lower. Itstill sounds hokey to me though.

 

Yeah all I have are ceramics in the frontright now but I have drums in the rear. If you're not a fan of doing your brakes you can get it done for a fair price at Midas and you get a lifetime warranty with them so you only pay labor on all of the following brake changes.

 

Mean Green,

Thanks, I will try ceramics on the front, and semi-metallic on the rear. About $12 difference per set, if they last longer, and give off less fade anddirtit would probably be worth it. I go through the difference in all brake cleaner. If the pads install the same, I can do them myselfI have gotten to be pretty good at disc brakes at least with rotors/pads. Caliper replacement is a different story but thats another thread/post.

MAGIC

 

I have replaced my 60k mile OEM pads with ceramic pads and BOY it makes a difference! Braking is much smoother and they grab better too. Also, ceramic pads won't wear out your rotors as fast as metalic types. Also ceramic pads don't make as much brake dust as those metallic type either and is easier to clean the rims. I think my ceramic pads set me back about a $100 bucks just for the pads but it's worth it!

 

Mean, Indy,, Kensai: Thanks, sounds like you sold me on the ceramic pads, I can't afford all four sets at once, but I will start with the front and as the accounting department releases funds (LOL!!!) then I will move to the rear.Pads around this area about $40 per axle (about $30 more than semi-metallic) but likeI said before, if they look better, and keep clean longer then it will be worth it. I definitely cleaned more than my share of brake dust on military aircraft so that will be a nice break. New pads, rotors, calipers sound good too.

Indy, I am not sure what part of town you are on, but you might have heard of this machine or seen it at other dealers in the area. This was done at Champion C/D/JEEP on the NW side. I guess the simple explaination is that it measures brake force distribution and make sure that equal force is applied against all four corners. I guess if it takes more force to get a balanced and equal stop, there might be a problem with the calipers.

MAGIC, Steve

 

If you really want to hold off on the replacing the rears right nowyou probably could too since they wear a lot less than the fronts. My rears are still stock and will be changed with ceramics whenever it is that time but I will let these ones wear first.