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2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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kj.richardson
New User
Jun 15, 2010, 5:49 AM
Post #1 of 7
(2844 views)
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2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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I took my 2007 Dodge Caravan for a rear alignment (to the same guys that put in rear brakes, pads, shoes and calipers only 4 months ago). The 1st trip (it has taken 3 so far) they said they would have to order shims, so come back. We came back and they said that they had the shims but only 1 guy was 'qualified' to install them (is this extra hard?) and he was off. 3rd trip... took 4 hours and they said that it is OK to drive but they need a different shim for one side because the one they ordered is the wrong size, they reitterated that it was perfectly fine and that we just needed to do this to prevent future problems. it is scheduled for thursday....
This morning on the freeway, the rear brakes stopped working altogether (pumping did nothing), smoke was billowing out of the wheels (when brakes were not being applied). Had to glide up an off ramp to stop. Could this be related to the shim installation?- This is the 1st time it was driven since the alignment (other than the 2 blocks home from the repair place on a 15 mph street)
I would like to be aware of all of the probable causes before I have to debate with them about what else needs to be done. They are the only place we can go right now, I would have left the moment they told me our tread depth was 14 and 14.5 in the rear if we had any alternatives.
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 15, 2010, 6:38 AM
Post #2 of 7
(2840 views)
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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Alignment cannot cause the brake failure you have. There is something else going on here. Get the vehicle towed back to the shop and have them figure out what went wrong. Perhaps it is something they did, perhaps not. This needs an expert eye to determine what is needed to make this safe to drive again.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 15, 2010, 7:14 AM
Post #3 of 7
(2838 views)
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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Although the alignment itself didn't cause it, they did have to disassemble everything in that area and I would suspect that they either left the wheel bearing loose or overtightened it to burn it out.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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kj.richardson
New User
Jun 16, 2010, 7:50 AM
Post #4 of 7
(2813 views)
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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Thank you! When we got it back to them, they said that they had overtightened the brakes,they "fixed it" then when we tried to leave there was a terrible sound and the smoke started again. They have been looking at it all morning an have just told us that the smoke is because the brake drum was "not positioned right,was catching and has a small crack" and they are going to sand it down so that it will not catch anymore..... Does this sound OK?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 16, 2010, 7:52 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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No, it sounds like nonsense. It sounds like you have a bunch of rookies trying to work on it. It shouldn't be a problem for a competent tech and probably wouldn't have happened in the first place.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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kj.richardson
New User
Jun 16, 2010, 7:53 AM
Post #6 of 7
(2807 views)
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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Thanks! I can't wait to get out of here, will it be safe enough to go about 45 miles to a real mechanic?
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 16, 2010, 4:58 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 2007 Dodge Caravan wheels smoking after alignment brakes failed
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I wouldn't. The excessive heat from the brake trouble can cause bearing trouble that could take a wheel off and your brakes cannot be trusted to work with the damage done to them. I wouldn't drive it anywhere but onto the back of a trailer to tow it to a reputable shop.
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