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2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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jbojay
Novice
Dec 2, 2012, 2:35 PM
Post #1 of 16
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2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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The drum-style brake on the right rear wheel of my 2000 Dodge Stratus recently developed a nasty problem: the self-adjusting mechanism eventually over-tightens the shoe against the drum, causing heat-up, noise and general overall misery. I had my mechanic (who has 30+ years experience) examine it and he failed to identify or correct the issue. The shoes were worn somewhat low so he installed new ones (and I think the whole brake kit), but that didn't ease the problem. It's only happening on the one wheel. The drum seems fine, but I don't know that with any real precision. The shoe rivets have never even come close to scoring the drum, but I suppose there might be an out-of-round issue. Should I just replace that drum and hope? What should I tell the mechanic to look for next time he works on it? The vehicle has 92000 miles. Many thanks!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 2, 2012, 4:19 PM
Post #3 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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Does it loosen itself up but just being parked for a while?
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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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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 2, 2012, 4:35 PM
Post #5 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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So you are saying that you have brought it in to have the adjustment backed off after every time you drove it?
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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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jbojay
Novice
Dec 2, 2012, 5:38 PM
Post #8 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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As I stated in my previous post http://autoforums.carjunky.com/...?post=131716#131716] no, the problem doesn't seem to ease up while the car is parked. But maybe. I'll be sure to determine that with absolute certainty before I proceed. The car is not really undriveable after the problem occurs, though I sure wouldn't take it on any long trip! As I said, the trouble is subtle and hard to sense: real slight rhythmic noises and real slight drag. Not to worry ...I'll be sure to post here again when the problem is finally resolved. Then we'll all be in the know. I've got plenty of ideas from you and this forum, THANKS.
Note: the problem seems so mild while driving the car. Cars are real heavy and slight drag isn't so noticeable. But the first time I brought the problem to the mechanic, after he removed the wheel the drum was too hot to even touch, and after it cooled you couldn't even turn the hub by hand! I had only driven about 5 miles beforehand if I recall.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 2, 2012, 5:44 PM
Post #9 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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If a brake is dragging enough to give any drag whatsoever to vehicle power, the shoes will be smoked off in about 10 miles. It will also tighten up even more and probably get stuck when it cools off so there are things you are saying that are not adding up about the symptoms.
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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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jbojay
Novice
Dec 2, 2012, 5:55 PM
Post #10 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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Well, tomorrow is Monday and I'll see if I can get the mechanic I know to get a sudden brainstorm or somethin'
Nasty problem, that's for dang sure
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 3, 2012, 4:37 AM
Post #11 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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Quote from top post on this: ">>What should I tell the mechanic to look for next time he works on it?<<"
NO. If you ask for a new windshield to fix this that's what you'll get kind of thing. Let the mechanic and or shop know what is happening and history of what was done. In turn let them make the diagnosis and suggested repair. IMO it's perfectly reasonable to ask for an explanation (to a point) as to what is wrong, what will fix it and for how much.
Communicate the problem. Let them do what they do. If it happens again in the same manner IMO the issue is on them for the most part,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 3, 2012, 2:48 PM
Post #13 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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He's talking about old rear wheel drive cars. There as to be flex for the wheel to go up and down.
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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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jbojay
Novice
Dec 4, 2012, 8:17 AM
Post #15 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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'Got it back from the mechanic just now. $30 for a new drum and $20 labor. He showed me where the old drum was badly scored, not where the shoe material goes against the drum but off to the side, on the ridge just up from the wheel bolting pattern. The metal isn't real thick where the bolting pattern is. Something had warped it and I guess it was dragging against the side of the shoes (or against something else in the assembly). Mechanic said he (somehow?) checked the flex line to that wheel and determined it was A-Ok. And truly, nothing can really go wrong with those self-adjust mechanisms.
We touched on metal versus flex lines and I'm thinking he made no mistake in our earlier chat. It's complicated and he and I don't always communicate to 100% perfection. He had said all along that some cars are arranged differently. I dunno, it's no biggie anyway.
Many thanks for the help here!
(This post was edited by jbojay on Dec 4, 2012, 10:50 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 4, 2012, 10:57 AM
Post #16 of 16
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Re: 2000 Stratus brake shoe over-tightens
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Yes, some cars are arranged differently. Some have a single hose to a solid (RWD) axle and some have two, one to each wheel. The rear suspension goes up and down so it absolutely cannot be only solid steel. There is rubber hose between the axle and the body on every vehicle. He can easily test the flow and releasing though.
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