Questions and Answers
Dodge Stratus Brake Problem
Q. Vince: Thanks in advance for you help. I have a 1995 Dodge Stratus 2.0 liter 5 speed with disk/drum ABS and 172,000 relatively trouble free miles. Over the past year I have replaced the passenger side only rear shoes five times.
It seems that the wheel cylinder doesn't release its pressure causing the self adjusting mechanism to continue to tighten holding the brakes against the drum.This happened the first time and the dealer replaced the shoes and wheel cylinder as the pistons popped out of the cylinder. I've replaced the proportioning value and self adjusting mechanism without correcting the problem. I do not have access to a OBD tool and cannot access codes, but I am aware of a ABS bleed procedure for this car.
I can do random parts replacement, but am looking for a educated guess. ABS computer? ABS hydraulic control unit (over $600.00) master cylinder? I've been marinating my own cars for 20 years now and never seen this before.
Thanks...
A. There has been four recalls on the brake system of your car. The first thing I would do is to make sure all these recalls were performed on your vehicle. Any Dodge dealer would be able to tell you that. Two of the items corrected could cause the problem you are describing.
I think the most likely problem is the ABS Brake Pressure Modulator Valve. The hydraulic modulator is used for controlling the brake system pressure to the wheels. The modulator is composed of four solenoids which regulate brake pressure to the wheels.
You can try flushing the brake fluid and filling with clean fresh fluid. That should clean out any debris that may be in the system. You can use a pressure bleeder (best), vacuum bleeding (next best) or manual pedal pumping (okay).
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
