When I apply the brakes and begin coming to a stop, there is a noise like a motor running just before the van comes to a complete stop. The only time it happens is the last few feet before the forward motion is complete.

Any ideas?

 

Welcome to DF
Here is a TSB that may apply to your van or may not. First when was the last time you had the brakes checked?
SUBJECT:
Rear Brake Cyclic Rubbing Sound
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves applying lubricant to the rear wheel cylinder components.
MODELS:
2001 - 2003 (RS) Town & Country/Voyager/Caravan
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR
DRUM BRAKES (SALES CODE BRB).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A cyclic swoosh, squawk, squeak or grunt sound from the rear of the vehicle
may be heard during medium to light brake application on vehicles equipped with
rear drum brakes. The sound will be related to the speed at which the tire/wheel
turns (one sound per revolution of the tire/wheel).
DIAGNOSIS:
If the vehicle operator describes the subject Symptom/Condition, test drive
the vehicle to verify. Perform the Repair Procedure if the symptom/condition
is experienced during the test drive.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 04883068 Lubricant, Wheel Cylinder
AR (4) 04238721 Plug, Backing Plate
AR (1) 05010884AA Sealer RTV
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Raise vehicle on suitable hoist.
2. Remove the rear tire/wheel assembly.
3. Remove the rear brake drum.
4. Remove both rear brake shoes from backing plate using the procedures outlined in
the appropriate Town & Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual.
5. Clean the area around the wheel cylinder boots.
6. Peel back the edge of both wheel cylinder boots to separate them from groove in
casting. Remove the boots and attached pistons from the wheel cylinder.
05-004-02 -2-
CAUTION: THE WHEEL CYLINDER LUBRICANT SHOULD NOT BE
USED FOR ANY PURPOSE IN THE VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM OTHER
THAN AS DESCRIBED IN THIS TSB.
7. Apply lubricant liberally to the surfaces of the pistons and inside the bore of wheel
cylinder without disturbing rubber cup seals. Presence of small amounts of corrosion
visible inside the bore of the wheel cylinder can be ignored provided there is no
evidence of leakage of brake fluid past the rubber cup seals. Do not confuse traces
of assembly fluid from the factory with brake fluid leakage.
8. Install the pistons and boots to the wheel cylinder. Make sure that the boots seal
properly onto the casting groove all the way around the wheel cylinder. With your
fingers, shuttle pistons back and forth in the wheel cylinder bore to distribute lubricant.
Do not allow the boots to become dislodged from wheel cylinder casting groove.
9. Insure the wheel cylinder is sealed to the backing plate. If not, seal around the
perimeter of the wheel cylinder using a small bead of RTV (p/n 05010884AA).
10. Install the brake shoes using the procedures outlined in the appropriate Town
& Country, Caravan and Voyager Service Manual.
NOTE: INSURE BOTH (2) INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT PLUGS (p/n
04238721) ARE PRESENT IN THE BACKING PLATE
11. Wipe any spilled fluid from the outside of the wheel cylinder, as well as
any other brake parts, including the linings.
12. Repeat step 2 through 10 for other brake assembly.
13. Install the brake drums and rear tire/wheel assemblies. Torque the
lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
14. Lower the vehicle.

 

We had the brakes done 6 or 7 months ago.

The noise is not a metallic sound, but moreso a noise like a motor running and it is up front.

 

Could be front wheel bearings?

 

Wouldn't WB happen all the time? Like I said, it only happen in the last few seconds before I stop.

 

could it be your abs pump turning on?