When i drive in heavy traffic it feels like the brakes are on without pushing on the brake pedal

Asked by Labbate Sep 07, 2015 at 04:31 PM about the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I just replaced the brake pads and rotors but since then my car will brake
without me pushing the brake pedal. The other day I drove about 65 miles
with no problem, but the in the last 5 miles of heavy traffic the brakes felt
like someone was pushing the brake pedal while i was pushing the gas.  
The front  wheels get very hot and bad smelling smoke.  It seems like the
brakes lock but im not sure why or how to fix it

2 Answers
310

eddard49 answered 9 years ago

Has the brake fluid been changed? Contaminated fluid (containing moisture) can build pressure on the brake system as it expands due to heat. Another possible problem is the pad pins need cleaning and lubrication.

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Guru2CT14 answered 4 years ago

I have had this issue on two different older Caravans, a 1996 and a 2003, both with very high mileage. In both cases it was the brake calipers that were sticking. Replacing the calipers is pretty easy and solved the issue.

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