Durango-nology
A compendium of information about the Dodge Durango.
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Last Updated: 9/22/2010

Durango-nology Index

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Brakes
Click on the above links to view detailed specifications & infos about each category

Brakes - Built to Tow
Durango's brakes were enlarged to handle the increased weight versus Dakota, helping to handle its best-in-class 7,300 lb. towing capacity. Standard brakes are 11.3" x 0.9" vented disc front and 11.0" x 2.25"drum rear, with ABS. An optional four-wheel ABS package was available.

Brake Systems
Durango's braking system provides car-like response that complements its ride and handling characteristics. Directional control during hard braking is enhanced by front suspension geometry with reduced scrub radius which is shared with Dakota.

New sliding caliper front disc brakes and duo-servo drum rear brakes are standard on all models. At 2.75-inch (70-mm) diameter, Durango's single-piston front brake calipers are larger than those on Dakota to assure ample braking with capacity to spare on this heavier vehicle with greater trailer towing capacity. The larger calipers are accompanied by longer shoes. Rotors remain the same as on Dakota - 11.3 x 0.9 inches (287 x 23 mm). Due to a heavier body with a rearward weight bias relative to Dakota, Durango has 11 x 2.25-inch rear drum brakes. Durango brakes are comparable in size to those provided by competitive vehicles.

Pads for the front brakes are longer than those on Dakota and also more voluminous and effectively thicker because they are bonded rather than riveted to the shoe plates. Both of these factors are expected to result in extended lining life. Furthermore the bonding process is expected to result in quieter operation. Lower noise is the result of a softer underlayer between shoe plate and lining than is possible with riveted shoes and because the insulator between shoe plate and piston is adhesive- bonded rather than riveted in place.

An integrated booster and master cylinder requires minimal pedal travel to actuate the brakes, enhancing driver confidence. To maintain comfortable pedal effort and effectively operate the larger brakes, all Durango models have a more powerful 8.07-inch (205-mm) tandem-diaphragm booster and a larger, 1.06-inch (27-mm) master cylinder bore than Dakota.


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The brake system includes the following additional features:

* All systems are self-adjusting
* Lining materials contain no asbestos
* Front disc brake calipers, rotor center sections and rear brake drums have a black anti-corrosion coating for durability and neat appearance
* Brake lines receive an aluminum-rich coating for long life

Shields help protect the front discs from dust, dirt and road splash to reduce lining wear during all-terrain driving.

Brake Safety System

Four-Wheel Antilock Brakes
A new generation antilock brake system is optional on Durango. System components are smaller, lighter and less complex that those used on Dakota in 1997. The only perceptible difference in performance relative to Dakota is an increase in pedal feedback similar to that provided by passenger car systems. As on Dakota, the system provides powered ABS action to the rear brakes that enhances stopping distance and control for the driver relative to systems that do not have this feature. Functionally, powered operation means that if hydraulic pressure is released to prevent lockup, the hydraulic unit will pump the fluid back into the rear brake system to maintain pedal height.

Low scrub radius front suspension steering geometry shared with Dakota also contributes to improved antilock performance by allowing the system to provide aggressive initial application while maintaining directional control and steering capability.

Front wheel sensors integral with the hub bearings are the same as on Dakota. They are simpler and more reliable than external sensors. The single, rear-axle speed sensor, which is shared by four-wheel and rear-wheel antilock (RWAL) systems, continues to use the ring gear as its trigger.

As on Dakota, the antilock brake system is operated by an electronic control module that is integrated with the hydraulic unit. This integration simplifies the wiring and enhances system reliability by providing internal electrical connections that eliminate 15 external electrical circuits required without this feature. This integration also reduces the weight of the system by approximately 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) relative to prior practice. ABS system diagnostic signals are communicated to the instrument cluster warning indicator and the central data link connector over the multiplex data network.

Rear-Wheel Antilock Brakes
Durango uses an upgraded electronic controller for its standard rear-wheel antilock brake system, which is shared with other 1998 Dodge trucks. The new controller mounts under the hood and is both electromagnetically compatible with other electronic systems and protected against the heat and contamination of the underhood environment. Unlike controllers on prior vehicles, RWAL diagnostic codes are retained in memory. Retrieval of the codes is also easier because they are communicated over the multiplex data network to the central data link connector for output to a DRB III scan tool. A malfunction indication will also be transmitted to the instrument cluster warning indicator over the multiplex data network. A single speed sensor on the differential housing provides the input signal to control the rear drum brakes as on prior systems.

Parking Brake
Durango uses the same pedal-operated parking brake mechanism as Dakota for smooth, quiet operation. Applying the brake produces none of the characteristic ratchet sound of prior systems. Instead of a ratchet, the new mechanism uses a square-edged spring that wraps around a drum operated by the brake pedal to keep the brake engaged. When the brake is applied, the drum slides smoothly inside the spring. When foot pressure on the pedal is released, the spring grips the drum and prevents it from returning to its released position. The release lever is integrated with the lower edge of the instrument panel just above the pedal. Release operation is also smooth and quiet with low effort. The mechanism releases gradually, by pressing against the end of the square-edged spring to reduce its grip on the drum, allowing the pedal to rotate back to its released position smoothly.






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