2001 Dodge Grand Caravan trans flushed and fluid changed

Hello! I've got a couple of issues...

The van has approx. 55,000 miles on it with oil changes and just had the trans flushed and fluid changed.

I've got some issues with my brakes...VERY squeaky. I know that it can be cause by dust, but it happens ALL the time. I also suspect that the discs need to be turned because of a "jerky" stop from time to time. I replaced the front pads about a year ago, but I'm not sure why they'd squeak so bad. There's no problem stopping...although I also hear an occasional low humming noise as I stop from higher speeds. I'm thinking about taking the van in to Midas, but I don't want to get gouged. They've got a special on their "lifetime" pads right now, but my experience with them in the past is that they'll tell you that you need more done than you actually need.

I am also having an issue with my A/C. Turned it on the other day and it was only blowing hot air. I assume that it just needs to be charged, but is there anything else that could be the problem? The van is only 3 years old, but it does have a decent amount of mileage on it. The dealership gave me an estimate of $150 to re-charge it and Midas said around $100. Is that a normal price? I know that the newer A/C's don't run on freon, so I'm not sure what amount to expect to pay.

Is any of the above things that I could do on my own? I don't know a ton about mechanics, but I did at least change the brake pads with the help of a friend last year. Do the discs remove from a 2001 Grand Caravan so that I could take them in to a shop and have them turned?

I know it's a lot of questions, but we are in the process of having our first child in the coming months and the money is tight. Don't want to spend more than I have to. Thanks in advance for all of your advice!!!:) I hope someone else answers your brake questions. Not my specialty.

As for A/C, you probably need only a recharge but also a check for leaks. Read your local newspaper, like the Saturday issue, for ads for shops offering a special on "A/C service." Or sometimes you get coupons in the junk mail as I often do. You should be able to find a shop that performs this low-tech service at prices lower than you have been quoted so far. What kind of pads did you use? Were they the Cheap ones? I have put cheap pads on my van and they squeak. Yes the Rotors will come off...Autozone can turn rotors down, or at least they do here.Do you have a repair Manual...if not I suggest next time you are in the parts store pick up a Chilton or Haynes manual....It doesn't matter which they are both good, and they are both made by Haynes.

Thanks for the help! I figured that I should look for some better deals and I feel like I can do the brakes myself. I put the brakes on that sound like Asbestos...don't remember the name...

. I do need the rotors turned, though. Again, thanks! Raybestos broughy84 wrote:Raybestos

Yeah...are those good brake pads? They came highly recommended...I'm pretty sure the squeak is nothing more than an annoyance issue, not a safety issue. I think getting the discs turned is more of a safety issue. The hercky-jerky stop is a little unnerving.
 

Yea they are a quality brake pad. The squeaking is not a saftey issue...just annoying as HELL!!!