biturbo

Thanks. I'll look into it. Found this in Wikipedia: "The SRT4 uses large 13.4 in (34 cm) vented front disc brakes (from the Dodge Charger Police Pack version) with dual-piston calipers and 11.9 in (30 cm) rear single-piston disc brakes." Sounds like the rear brakes are very similar to the ones on our Journey. The 13.4" front brakes are HUGE compared to our puny 12" fronts. I'm definitely going to look into this further. If anything it might require a custom caliper mounting bracket. Not sure about the rotor bolt sizing/spacing. I think they're the same as our car.

I 100% agree that the rotors and calipers are undersized for the vehicle. We've got 12" diameter rotors. I would suggest that the size should be at least 12.5", and ideally 13". I'm currently researching how/what other Dodge brakes will bolt on to the Journey to give us a bigger diameter and maybe better calipers. I'd love to have a set of SRT brakes and think maybe the SRT Caliber might work.

Replacing the solid rotors with aftermarket cross drilled (and/or slotted) rotors is a mild upgrade which might help reduce overheating a little bit but it won't solve the problem. The issue, in my engineering opinion, is the brakes are undersized for the vehicle's weight and size. They tend to overheat easily and chew up pads like crazy, which tells me they are too small for the vehicle. I'm pretty sure they sourced the brakes off the Dodge Avenger platform. So, I'm going to research how easy it would be to upgrade the rotors, calipers, and brackets to fit a bigger factory setup (at least on the front brakes.....rear brakes don't seem to be a big problem). I'm thinking either upgrading to the new 2011 Journey or finding another Dodge platform to steal the brakes from. I'd love to fit the SRT-8 brakes on the front. That would solve all the problems.

I'm fully aware of the brake problems on the 2009/2010 models. I suspect they used the Avenger platform brakes thinking they'll be OK for the bigger and heavier Journey. Keep in mind the Journey shares a lot with the Avenger platform. We replaced the original brake pads/rotors at 23,000 miles and are ready to replace again at 45,000 miles. Unreal. So, has anyone looked into a brake upgrade system like a big brake kit from Brembo or SSBC? I realize these can cost a lot of money but I think they would dramatically increase the performance and safety of the vehicle.

Zach - I emailed you. We replaced our brakes (R/T AWD) at 23,000 miles and are ready to replace again at 45,000 miles. Very normal driving habits with little city use (very little stop and go). We received the letter and actually received a check for something like $80 to compensate for the 23K mile replacement. They did not send me the full replacement cost....just part of it. Brian

If you are experiencing a lack of power or strange performance with your AWD 2009 model year contact your dealer and ask them about a fix for your exhaust system. They have been finding some early production 2009 model had cross threaded O2 sensors leaky exhaust causing poor performance and erratic running. 100% fixed under warranty. We had our R/T AWD transfer case "PTO" seal replaced and they found the exhaust problem while doing the work. Also found the EXACT same problem on another R/T at the same dealer. Quality control is alive an well, eh?

If you have the V6 there is a TSB and fix available at the dealer. Ours had a ticking sound while driving and turned out to be bad cams or something along those lines. 100% covered under warranty.

Update.....took the vehicle back to the dealer due to continuing noise and rough running off idle. They found cross threaded O2 sensors on the exhaust system, so new parts ordered. Also heard a rumor the problem with these vehicles has to do with a bad design of the A/C system and the transmission vent. When the A/C is on the condensation apparently finds it's way into the tranny vent which means water in the transmission fluid. And since the tranny and transfer case share fluid this is why the PTO seal is failing, probably due to corrosion. I can't confirm and MOPAR hasn't come out and said this is the problem but it makes sense to me. And it explains why my vehicle, purchased brand new, had TWO CUPS OF WATER in the transmission after only 1500 miles.

Found out through a good friend at the local Dodge dealer that the failing PTO seal on AWD models apparently effects early model 2009's. It's happened to my R/T and his wife's R/T. Mine they only replaced the seal and filled with new fluid. His they replaced the entire transfer case. They also found cross threaded O2 sensors from the factory and had to order new exhaust system. We also had 2 cups of water in our transmission when bought new. Caused the tranny to foam and spit out the vent tube. Dealer said they have no idea how water got inside a "sealed" transmission.

I'm in the US, so yes I do have the lifetime powertrain warranty. I did voice my concern to the follow up service call (the one where they ask how satisfied you were with the service). The lady wrote down my concerns so there is somewhat of a paper trail. I'm VERY anal about my vehicles, so you can bet I'll be watching it for trouble. Furthermore, my good friend is the general manager at the dealership I purchased and serviced the vehicle at, so he's been very helpful getting this resolved. His wife also has a Journey R/T, so he's just as concerned as I am. I told him to have the service department check his tranny oil just to be safe.

1,200 miles and the local Dodge dealer found 2 cups of water in the transmission. They seem to think it was in there from the factory. I noticed the problem while driving. Smelled a weird burning oil aroma and saw blue smoke as we drove. Pulled over and inspected the undercarriage to discover tranny oil dripping from the cross member. Called road side assistance who sent a flat bed truck and brought it to the dealer. The tranny tech pulled the pan, saw the water, and called Dodge Engineering Group for direction. They said to flush the tranny a few times, fill with new oil, and test drive. They said the oil and water caused it to foam which found it's way out the vent (wherever that is) and sprayed on the exhaust pipe. I got the vehicle back it it seems to be running fine. However, I'm concerned internal damage may have occurred. Does anyone have info about the internals of this tranny? What kind of clutch pack does it have? I'm not sure what to do at this point. Demand a new transmission?

Thanks for the info. I just posted the same question under the MyGig area.

Has anyone figured out how to override the "park only" feature of the DVD video system on Mygig?