'00 GC Sport Weak Braking

[aralston]

Hi, all. I;m a newbie with a brake question on my '00 Grand Caravan Sport. I just picked this car up 2 months ago, and I'm learning its quirks after owning a '94 Grand Caravan for many years.

The braking on the Sport is weak--it feels a little bit like brake fade, and I cannot get the anti-lock system to engage when braking hard. I replaced the front brakes with PowerSlot rotors and Akebono ceramic pads (a nice combo, BTW). It helped a bit, but the braking is still not up to snuff, and I can't get the ABS to engage. The rear pads look fine and seem to be adjusted properly, there are no leaks anywhere, and the pedal pressure seems OK. I have not bled the system, but that may be next.

I'm at a loss--any suggestions?

Thanks,
Andy

[Rangerguy67]

I would say bleed the system. Either that or there is a problem with the master cylinder. IDK Im not a brake guy either

[2000TC]

I also went to a 2000 from a 1992 van and the change in braking was the first thing I noticed. I had a few close calls before I learned that you must get used to keeping more distance in front of you and also braking a lot sooner. It takes more pressure on the brake pedal but the van WILL stop in a panic situation.

The ABS will not come on unless needed, such as breaking on wet or uneven roadway.

Make sure the rear brakes are adjusted and working properly, that may improve things a bit.

Remember, these 2000+ vans are a lot heavier that the generation II's.

[aralston]

Thanks for the insights. I am a bit confused with respect to the ABS, though. I have been operating on the assumption that if the brakes are working properly, I should be able to either (1) lock them in a skid, or (2) force the ABS to engage to prevent the skid. Using maximum pedal pressure, I can do neither. Thus, I conclude the brakes are not as effective as they could/should be. Is my logic flawed?

[Rangerguy67]

Maybe the car is designed to not lock the brakes on dry pavement without using ABS. Try locking the wheels in like the winter or when the roads are wet. That was what ABS was really designed for. Not necessarily on dry pavement.

[acton mike]

examine the flexible hoses particularly the ones feeding the front brakes. They deteriorate internally as well as internally causing all manners of braking problems including spongy feeling pedal

Kind of like mechanical hardening of the arteries