Stupid car
I have had a love-hate relationship with this car since I got it ... brand new and full warranty in late 2001. That was when HE was taking me to Court, alleging that I "just wasn't" visiting our children. Of course, he never informed the Court that he REFUSED to return my car ... or that I WANTED to see our children. So anyway, I walked into a dealership and bought the first car they showed me, not even sure if I COULD buy anything. I have had more things replaced on this Dodge than I have on any of the Toyotas I have owned ... and they all got over 200,000 miles before all was said and done. So far, I have 180,000+ miles on this one. I'm happy to say that at least the engine and tranny are in good shape. One of the reasons I don't mind continuing to sink some cash into some of the parts which, face it, are going to wear out.
When I took the brakes apart today, though, I found the piston was very difficult to push back. I guess it wasn't completely seized or anything, because once I took off the brake line, I was able to clamp the whole thing down and push the piston back into the cylinder. I put some lubricant on it; maybe that will help. But the rotor was broken again ... probably due to the sticking piston, as it would have built up a lot of heat and possibly glazed the rotor and pads. I'm not real clear on that, though?? Luckily, when I went to the salvage yard last time around, I ended up with brake parts, including a rotor that I can use temporarily. I don't like the overall looks of it; I removed all the rust I could but it is still dark and nasty looking, so I will have to get another. But I also found I have an additional caliper and can probably rebuild the thing, with new sleeve and such for the piston, change it out for the other if necessary. And happily, I learned that my brake pads -all I have to do when I need new ones - is take the old ones back to the store cause they have a lifetime warranty. Yay! So some good things happen. But I am sick of dealing with messed up brakes and things that always end up being 3x the work.
When I took the brakes apart today, though, I found the piston was very difficult to push back. I guess it wasn't completely seized or anything, because once I took off the brake line, I was able to clamp the whole thing down and push the piston back into the cylinder. I put some lubricant on it; maybe that will help. But the rotor was broken again ... probably due to the sticking piston, as it would have built up a lot of heat and possibly glazed the rotor and pads. I'm not real clear on that, though?? Luckily, when I went to the salvage yard last time around, I ended up with brake parts, including a rotor that I can use temporarily. I don't like the overall looks of it; I removed all the rust I could but it is still dark and nasty looking, so I will have to get another. But I also found I have an additional caliper and can probably rebuild the thing, with new sleeve and such for the piston, change it out for the other if necessary. And happily, I learned that my brake pads -all I have to do when I need new ones - is take the old ones back to the store cause they have a lifetime warranty. Yay! So some good things happen. But I am sick of dealing with messed up brakes and things that always end up being 3x the work.
Replies
Amazing . . . your knowledge of the workings of the automotive. My NH is a recruiter for an automotive school. Too bad you couldn\'t enroll and get the acreditation and be eligible for a well-paying job. Have you ever thought about seeking work in that field? Perhaps even part-time. You never know. You sure have the experience. Something that might appeal to you more, is the postiion in an auto parts store or as the intake clerk at auto dealer. You understand the lingo and the parts and workings . . . . thus, you come already trained. What do you think?
Amazing . . . your knowledge of the workings of the automotive. My NH is a recruiter for an automotive school. Too bad you couldn\'t enroll and get the acreditation and be eligible for a well-paying job. Have you ever thought about seeking work in that field? Perhaps even part-time. You never know. You sure have the experience. Something that might appeal to you more, is the postiion in an auto parts store or as the intake clerk at auto dealer. You understand the lingo and the parts and workings . . . . thus, you come already trained. What do you think?