"QX"  wrote in message 
news:5s1a67t6ossbdladhvmvjttm6u6i3a8325_at_4ax.com...
>I have owned Caravans since 1984.  The most recent is a 2008 Grand
> Caravan SXT with the 4.0 liter engine, towing package, and 17" wheels,
> 225/65R17 tires (regular profile tire).
>
> I have 39,000 miles on the car and have just replaced the brakes
> AGAIN.
>
> This is the 3rd set ! The first two were covered by Dodge warranty so
> not a big deal, but I recently  started to feel a vibration when
> braking and dealer said brakes, and turn the rotors.
>
> On my other two Caravans, I think I replaced brakes about every 30,000
> miles or so.
>
> I am a conservative driver, no last minute hard braking, I take my
> foot off the gas when the light way ahead turns red.
>
> This is a fairly flat area, so there is no extended braking when going
> downhills.
>
> I just can't figure a reason for the rapid brake wear.
> I am beginning to suspect, that since Chrysler/Dodge extended the
> warranty on the brakes, there was a problem with them.
>
> Perhaps it was the brake material used on the pads, or maybe they
> totally missed the design vs vehicle weight parameters and used brakes
> that were just too small for the application?
>
> Anyone else experiencing rapid wear?
>
> Is there an aftermarket option I can get that will extend
> the pad life? Premium pads?
>
> Thanks in advance.

There is a TSB that was issued by Chrysler (05-006-08) that covers symptoms 
such as excessive noise, squeal/shudder/vibration and/or lining life 
complaints. It just says to change the pads to part #68053152AA and change 
the rotors.

I suspect they are just going to a better pad, If it's under warranty, of 
course, have them do it. If not, I'd have the rotors turned or replaced, and 
either put on a severe-duty pad (Wagner, Raybestos, etc.) or a quality 
ceramic pad.