My company 2011 GC has 30k miles. I took it into the local tire dealer for 2 tires, front end alignment and oil change. They inspected and got authorization from PHH to do front and rear brakes. A few days and about 180 miles later, the van came back from a short run, and we smelled burning "something." Then, the front tire areas expelled blue smoke.

I let the smoke dissipate, and "coasted" down our hill to the repair facility, only a quarter mile away. They examined all four wheels, and we could see bluing on the front rotors, plus all four rotors showed "chattering marks." Obviously the calipers/pads didn't release completely. I was told by the examining tech that their repair tech "didn't lubricate the slider pins."

Is this "sticking, non-release caliper occurance" caused by a 2011 Dodge brake issue, or just lack of proper Repair/QC practice on behalf of the repair shop? They're working on the car now, but after reading some comments about sticking calipers, wonder if there is a Dodge issue that may require other action, as would be required per a recall issue/protocal?

 

Well, if it stick not too long after someone just did brake on it, it is probably a poor repair job.
Most of the time on the Caravan, whenever you do brake, you need to remove the anti-rattle clip, clean the bracket, replace/clean anti-rattle clip, and make sure the pad slides in freely. If the Mechanic just hammer the brake pad in, the pad will tilt and get stuck on the bracket.

 

Yes, there's no question that it was bad workmanship. The caliper assembly, etc., was not cleaned and lubricated per standard practices. They took the van back Sat. morning, and by 1pm I had it back. They turned the rotors, and replaced the pads. I've got other choices in this auto center area for fleet repairs. And frankly, chain operations like this one, small, family run multi-unit tire store chain, have to rely on their "hired in mechanics." I know there's turnover, and anyone good will usually leave. I gave them another chance after an incident 3 years ago where they wouldn't adjust two tires sold to us for our family car. The tires wore down rather quickly for no apparent reason. Rather than just give me some level of credit on new tires, the "jerk manager" at the time played hard ball. I called the Pres of the company and let him know that for saving maybe $100 on their side, they lost my fleet repairs worth a few thousand a year. When I went back last week to have them safety check my boat trailer, they replaced a stem on the spare, packed the wheel bearings, and the new guys up front didn't charge me anything. I told them my background and then came back with my fleet van, and gave them the two-tire sale, alignment and oil change as a thank you. Not only did their tech screw up the brake job, he didn't secure the hood properly. While I was on the freeway, the hood started lifting. I think they've seen the last of me. But getting back to the brake issue, I still don't know if there's an ongoing issue, or my deal was all back workmanship? I'll call PHH Monday and find out.

 

This question still actual,guys in 2018. I purchased my 2011 D.G.C Crew + couple weeks ago. Car easy passed safety,I made around 4 K on it and one two days ago it's happened. My passenger rear brakes started burning. Smoke was from brakes cylinder . I will see tomorrow morning,when I bring my car to the shop. But looks like ,this is very bad service work,because I have this car from my son in law and he told me,he gave car for pads changing in his friend garage and probably technicians never put lubricant on pistons. I'm not professional in this area of industry,but brakes cylinder looks very dry,maybe more,like over dry. It happened first time in my driving life.I love this car and I drove on it every day and I want to know,why its happened. Plus this morning,I start hear noise from my front brakes pads. Like a metal touch metal. I choked.Because car was on pre-safety inspection, passed safety and boom. Bad work.

 

I fixed my car this morning. I put on it new calipers(all four),two front routers and all new brake pads for all my wheels . When technician removed rear pads,they was with damaging surface and big cracks.My answer,bad service.