For some of you who arent aware of this, DCX uses inferior *** metal in their rotors. They heat up superfast and wear out and warp relatively fast. This is a common problem for MOST DCX cars and trucks, but it tends to happen more in trucks because of the weight differences.

The best way to eliminate this problem, is to spend about $200 and get some good rotors and some ceramic brakes. If you can get a set of drilled or slotted rotors, even better....

I'm sure the recall will help some of you, but some of you will need to replace the crappy OEM brakes. I did that on both of my Dakotas, and it fixed it on both. There are also at least another 100 or so members on here who have done the same.

 

Just posted this in another post, but figured I'd put it in a post about Brakes....

Car & Driver ranked the Dakota as the WORST performer in 2005 for BRAKING, 70 to 0 mph @ 229 feet


Doesn't that say something about the factory/OEM brakes right there???

 

For some of you who arent aware of this, DCX uses inferior *** metal in their rotors. They heat up superfast and wear out and warp relatively fast. This is a common problem for MOST DCX cars and trucks, but it tends to happen more in trucks because of the weight differences. True, and to compound that, the OEM brake pads are manufactured for LONG life (I got 100,00 miles out of them on my 02, probably could have gotten at least another 10,000) This means they are very hard and cause much friction between pad and rotor, which casues heat, which causes the rotors to warp over time. In an effort for DCX to make some sort of compromise on brake performance, longer life was deemed better than shorter life. The average person doesn't even know what is going on around them, so having one less thing to maintain/replace on a vehicle in a span of time is easier for the avg person to deal with.

When I replaced the pads on my 02, I decided to just stick with MOPAR pads, but not the OEM's, but rather the MOPAR valueline pads. Much softer pads, thus less friction, less heat buildup. After 50,000 miles, pads were still good and minimal rotor warpage. I say minimal as I did have them turned at 100,000 miles, so there was a little less metal to warm up, thus a little easier to heat up, even with the softer pads.

 

I have 2005 CC, 4.7, factory tow, AT,2wd. Dealer installed new rear brake linings as per TSB 05-044-05 Rev. A. Also, refaced front discs and turned rear drums. Did not need rear axles had 9.25 rear end.
Picked up truck and had soft brake pedal; had to double pump brakes to get a pedal. Dealer pulled rear drums and found that the return spring on LH automatic adjuster came off allowing adjuster to spin free. Re-attached spring and did not have to double pump pedal. However, now the pedal is softer than before the TSB was installed and brake pedal goes father down than before. Dealer advised that none of the brakes lines were broken loose, so theoretically no air was admitted to the system, but feels like air is in the system . Dealer also stated that the new rear linings are of a softer compound and this maybe part of the problem. Dealer called Dodge technical support and could not get a knowledgeable answer from them.
My question is: have any owners experienced this problem after the TSB was complied installed?