2004 rear drive brake pads

FROM STOCK TO WILD, BRAKE ISSUES AND UPGRADES GO HERE.
Post Reply

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

I have owned my 2004 Astro van rear wheel drive from new. I have always noticed the rear pads wear faster than the fronts pads. I just changed the pads again for the third time. I do a lot of highway driving, so my brakes are not used like in city driving. Is there a fix for this problem?

Astrophysics
I sleep in my van
Posts: 974
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Been thanked: 9 times

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by Astrophysics »

I wonder if rear caliper if dragging a bit.

After you stop and turn off car, Does the rear aluminum rim feel warm after mild driving ?

Are the calipers original?

I had dragging rear original caliper on my 2003 AWD Astro. This happened at about 110,000 miles.

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

Yes, the rear rotors are warm after a drive. Both are warm on the rear.

Astrophysics
I sleep in my van
Posts: 974
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Been thanked: 9 times

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi Again,

Fortunately, rear calipers are not very expensive. I think about $70 each for caliper at Autozone or OReilly. Just read manuals and make sure to have torque wrench and get proper Alan or Torx bit for ratchet if bolts are not hex head. Read and study how to bleed brakes. Or just have shop do the work.

AP

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

I have worked on brakes for 46 years. This is a first for me. I think the problem has to do with the antilock brake system. I have a shop manual for a 1999 Astro van. That was for my previous van, which never gave me a problem. I really need the 2004 manual to see if GM has the answers.

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

I found that it is the passengers side rear brake giving the trouble. I put a c clamp and the piston moves easily. I will bleed that brake to see what the fluid is like. I may change the hose in case it has collapsed.

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

A brake hose is $40 and a caliber is $91. Everything is expensive in Canada. And likely the parts are from China. Can not get good quality USA parts.
User avatar

WoodButcher
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 408
Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:01 pm
Location: Woodbury, CT.
Been thanked: 16 times

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by WoodButcher »

rottenkid wrote:A brake hose is $40 and a caliber is $91. Everything is expensive in Canada. And likely the parts are from China. Can not get good quality USA parts.

Neither can we, you just pay a little more...
'93 Safari shorty, 350 swap
'05 Astro AWD, lifted, 6 liter, cammed, ported and programmed for fast.
'69 G10, straight 6, 3 onatree, jumped at me when I had a pocketful of cash looking for a spare astro. :)

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

I replaced the caliber this morning. So far so good.

Topic author
rottenkid
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 1:43 pm
Location: Warkworth ontario

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by rottenkid »

I hauled a yard of gravel in my trailer with the van. The brakes didn't get hot. They are working the way they should.

Astrophysics
I sleep in my van
Posts: 974
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:23 pm
Been thanked: 9 times

Re: 2004 rear drive brake pads

Post by Astrophysics »

Great to hear that your van is fixed.

AP
Post Reply