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03 QC Sport +
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2004
16:21:44

Subject: Brakes
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I have a 2003 Dakota Quadcab Sport Plus 4.7 Auto
3.55 LSD. It has about 31,000 miles on it and I've only had a few problems with the vehicle. Brakes is the number one problem. Even with the four wheel discs it never has stopped very well. Also the rotors (either front or rear) have warped. I can feel it through the pedal. They have been warped from the very first time I had to make a hard stop. The other problem is a popping noise I can hear and feel in the steering column. I does this most often when I stop, and as soon as I step on the throttle to take off again. Its like the rack and pinion is loading up on decel and the release results in the pop I hear and feel in the steering column when I take off. The weird thing is it goes away when the weather cools off in the fall and winter. Comes back in the spring. Has anyone found a real solution to the brake problems with the Dakota?? Also has anyone else experienced the column problem?? Any suggestions???



jeremiah2360
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2004
21:16:00

RE: Brakes
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I had a popping noise especially when it was warmer out. Most noticeable in stop and go traffic on a hot day. It was more like a clicking to me,stop-click,go-click. Could feel it in the steering wheel. Dealer replaced intermediate shaft under warranty,no more clicking. Take it to the dealer on a hot day so you can duplicate the problem and they should fix it.

03 qc 4.7 auto 4x4 34k





.DOC.
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2004
01:33:20

RE: Brakes
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'03,

If you have not already changed rotors and pads, consider POWERSLOTS (if you tow, use only slotted, NOT cross drilled, per manufacturer) and I can recommend HAWKHEAD pads. I did extensive research and phone time and this was the combination I ended up with. BRAKEWAREHOUSE.com did me OK with the powerslots at $97. (All other prices I found were in the $125+ range).

I came across a trial on disc brake pads and HAWKHEAD did very well. I bought a set ($27, [reg $56], from the mfr.) and have been pleased with the perfomance.

Final evaluation after my trip to Glacier National Park in early August with my travel trailer. So far, though, I like.

Doc



mrman
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2004
05:51:37

RE: Brakes
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I agree with .DOC., go with the POWERSLOT rotors and HAWK pads. It's a relatively inexpensive fix for the poor quality brakes that come from the factory. Much better braking and almost NO brake dust on the wheels!



.DOC.
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2004
10:20:40

RE: Brakes
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'03,

HAWKHEAD pads may or may not be the same as HAWK pads. The ones I found are manufactured by HAWKHEAD.

I have read good reports on the HAWK pads on different threads, but if they are different,... .

Doc



.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2004
12:27:43

RE: Brakes
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Even for a Dodge, I think warping the rotors from one hard stop is a little unusual. There are a couple of things that can go wrong that make the pedal feel that way. Before spending a dime, put a dial indicator on each disc, inside and out, and actually check the run out.

Like everything else, don't just start replacing parts based on probably cause. That can get expensive in a hurry.



Ted
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2004
12:34:57

RE: Brakes
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I just replaced the front brake pads on my '02 QC to Hawk pads. This made a very significant improvement in the braking. The brakes no longer scare me in heavy traffic.
I took the rotors in to get turned while I was at it since they were slighly warped after the dealer replaced the ball joints. Anytime you take your truck in for service and they remove the wheels you can pretty much count on warped rotors. They all use impact wrenches to put the wheels on and this will warp them almost every time.

Ted





BigBlueQC
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7/13/2004
13:05:15

RE: Brakes
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Please keep in mind aso the OEM brake pads are WAY to hard for the OEM rotors. Dodge had to consider various items when designing brakes, do people want long lasting brakes or not?? The average consumer does not want to have to perform maintenance, thus the harder pads that last much longer. Heck, I got 100000 miles out of my frt pads, and the wear indicators still hadn't touched the rotor yet. PLus, their no dummies, that's why the brakes are only warranted for I think 12months/12000 miles, no matter waht extended warratny you have. Ah the joy of corporate business.

2002 QC 4x4 Sport Plus, 4.7L, auto, Patriot Blue, Tire & Handling group,
Heavy Duty Service group, Leer cap w/out windows, Mopar Step bars and roof rack, Rhino liner in bed and on step bars, Pace Edwards Power Tailgate lock
3.55 rear, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, all possible fluids are AMSOIL

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