2004 rear drive brake pads

[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 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.

[rottenkid]

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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[WoodButcher]

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...

[rottenkid]

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

[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]

Great to hear that your van is fixed.

AP