JerSmitty

The setup was Powerstop z36 pads with slotted and drilled rotors. I wanted something that was strong enough to stop the Journey. Mine is an ‘09 which has the undersized front brakes. After cleaning everything the sound has seemed to go away. Thanks for the help guys. 

I inspected everything today and all was fine. I saw no rubs of any kind. Rotors looked good and showed no signs of anything scraping them. 

Hey Dtlantzy, 

Did you ever figure this out? My fronts are doing the same thing. They were fine for the first few months but then started with a grinding sound. They passed inspection though so the brakes and rotors themselves are good as they’re only about 6 months old. 

Thanks!

Mine has been doing the same thing. I usually change the oil every 5,000 miles, but I haven't been able to go that long because it uses it so fast. I just had the oil changed at the dealer after 4,000 miles…it was down from 6 quarts to 3 quarts. I have no visible leaks anywhere. The dealer said they would contact Dodge to see if they've heard anything. If they don't get a response, then I'm going to contact them.

Update: The Dodge dealer took our Journey and checked it out based on things to look for from Dodge. PCV was fine, so was breather and intake. They started it up in the am (cold start) and saw a little smoke out the exhaust. They ended up replacing all the valve seals (24 of them). Covered under powertrain warranty. Guess we'll find out in 4,000 miles if it's fixed.

Another Update: Replacing the valve seals did nothing. It was still down quarts after 4,000 miles. Dealer wants me to bring it in every 1,000 miles to look to see when it starts using it. Now I need to find time to do that. :-(

Hey pdomansky, did you ever go with the Geolanders? I currently have the 19's and in need of new tires but the cost is $1000+ for 19" tires. Was debating going with 17's instead with the Geolander Off Roads. I could get new tires and rims for the same price as just tires. Just curious if you went through with the purchase and how the Journey handles with the aggressive tire. Thanks.

That is correct, I got the letter in today.

12-24 months / 24.000 miles : $50 deductible

24-36 months / 36.000 miles : $100 deductible

No letter yet for me. I just heard about the letter Friday. Although, I already replaced my pads around 25,000 which was back in October. I did them myself because I refused to pay the dealer the ridiculous amount they were saying. Will I get reimbursement since the letter is just now coming out? If not, Dodge will surely hear about it.

Also, does anyone know if replacing the TPMS stems with rubber stems will be a problem during inspection, since the warning light will be on?

What can you do to help prevent this from happening is Never use metal/chrome valve stem caps!!! Only use plastic caps, and leave them loose. when the valve stem cap goes missing, replace it immediately. So keep a few in ur glove box. you can get a pack for like $2 everywhere.

If the cap does Seize onto the valve stem, do not go for a plier. You will have to get a grinder and split the cap in halve, very carefully.

But of course, over years of beating by harsh weather, they will eventually give up, just like anything else.

I made the mistake of putting chrome valve caps on the TPMS stems. I had one break while trying to take it off with pliers. The dealership replaced the stem under goodwill, but wouldn't try getting the others off because they wouldn't cover them under warranty. I've spoken with Dodge on two accounts and both times they've told me they won't fix them under warranty. Now I'm stuck in trying to get the other three off without breaking the stem. Sucks when you spend about $5 for nice caps and now I have to spend over $300 to fix the problem. All because no one warns you of the potential problems.

Steak, you mention using a grinder to get the cap off. What kind of grinder do you suggest? Something like a Dremel?