We are having to replace brakes about every 20,00 miles. Doesn't matter which brand or how expensive (as in you get what you pay for). Are there any tsb's out on them...anyone else have or solve this problem?

 

Welcome to minivan ownership. Yes they chew-up front pads, we usually replace the OEM pads at around 25-30K miles. There is no fix, they just use up front brakes quickly. If its any comfort the new RS minivans use pads up at the same rate.

 

Just make sure you buy lifetime pads. Luckily, the pads are relatively easy to change if you do the work yourself. You may also need to have your rotors replaced the next time you have the brakes done. Can't hurt.

 

well I would advise maybe replacing a brake hose it might have a anurisum in the hose keeping the breaks on also if the calaper isnt greased on the slides it might be sticking when the breaks are applyed keeping the brakes on and wearing them down faster!

 

My 97 has been about the same 15k - 20k on pads. I've also done the same of different (supposedly) grades of pads and rotors with the same result. The last time i changed them, I used the lowest grade from Advanced auto, but used the blue synthetic caliper grease and was liberal inside the rubber slide boots and such.... Since that change, I have had better (more even) stopping power and the pads are lasting longer. Usually if a flex hose has an "anurism" the breaks will grab and wear more on one side. It's unusual (but not impossible) for 2 flex hoses to go bad. If you live in a part of the country where the flex hose fitting stay relatively oxidation free, it's not a bad idea to change them over 100k if they are suspicious.

 

i'm surprised nobody put the REAL reason for fast front brake pad wear.


REAR DRUM BRAKES OUT OF ADJUSTMENT!!!!!!

it causes all of the stopping power to come from the front brakes and the rears do nothing, hence..you tear through break pads on the front. get the rear brakes adjusted correctly and your problems will go away. i get 50-70k on a set of front pads. also, get your front rotors replaced or resurfaced when doing a front brake job. cutting corners yields poor results every time.

 

Yes there is rear brake adjustment and that is probably the single biggest cause of front brake premature wear. Outside of that, one of the biggest problems I've had is the new road salt chemical they are using in NY just eats up the slides and pins, causing the caliper to stick and wear out prematurely. It is usually asymetrical too, with the worse oxidation on the passenger side of the road because thats where the plows push it all. After this winter I'll pull both calipers and see how the blue synthatic grease seems to hold up to this new chemical, but so far i know i'm doing better on my pads with this stuff.