New brakes and rotors?

[coopns]

I need new brakes for the 02 Grand Caravan, pulsating getting worse (so is the wife complaints). So I will need new pads, rotors anything else while I am at the store? Can I/should I get loaded calipers? And recommendations for brake and rotor types? Hoping to keep the rig forever but can't blow the bank on teachers salary.

I did the Taurus, wasn't bad. Will the Caravan be similar in terms of difficulty?

 

[labman]

If not this time, at least the next time do the calipers. I think the salt and cold work together to destroy the pistons. The rubber parts wear and age even if they still look good. As the piston travels out through the seal, the seal thins the chrome plate and then the moisture, salt, and grit that makes it by the boot attacks it. You need new rubber parts eventually, and if you don't give the piston a good coat of silicone, and new piston.

ALL brake jobs should include cleaning up or replacing all the hardware. The calipers must slide in and out easily and smoothly. With drums, always replace all the springs every reline.

 

[bdcardinal]

definately clean all the hardware. also you might want to consider replacing the brake fluid. every brake job i do includes a fluid flush. i have seen brake fluid in a 198ish chrysler TC masarati come out with the consistency of gear oil.

 

[coopns]

Can I get loaded calipers?

 

[labman]

Sorry not to respond to your original question. Loaded calipers are widely available, and a good choice if you are replacing them too. Check with where you usually buy your parts. You still need to clean up and lube where they mount on the spindles. If you replace the calipers and wheel cylinders before the rubber goes bad, all the brake fluid is long gone before it can cause any problem without any additional flushing.

I am a little old school and rather cheap. I rebuild my own calipers. Not only is it cheaper, but I know they went back together with Sil-Glyde, not brake fluid or other cheap hygroscopic stuff.