Recall - Rear Brake Linings
No. 539July, 1992
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 539 -- Rear Brake Linings
Models:
1989 Model Year Dodge Daytona (AG-Body) and Chrysler LeBaron 2-Door Coupe and Convertible (AJ-Body) Equipped With 14" Brakes and Built From Beginning of Model Year Through December 31, 1988
Note:
Only the above vehicles sold or currently registered in "Salt Belt" states (where large amounts of road salt are used for snow and ice removal) are involved.
The bonded rear disc brake linings on involved vehicles may separate from the brake shoe plates due to corrosion deterioration resulting from operation in geographic areas using large amounts of road salt for snow and ice removal. To correct the condition, the rear brake shoe and lining assemblies must be replaced.
Details of this recall are explained in the following sections.
Note:
No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided.
Dealer Notification & Vehicle List
Involved dealers: Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter and a list of the involved vehicles by Certified Mail.
Important:
Dealer notification by Certified Mail is required by federal law for all safety recalls. Responsible dealership personnel should be instructed to sign for this Certified Mail without hesitation as it concerns urgent safety recall information.
The Vehicle List is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to Chrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
All other dealers: Each Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth dealer who does not receive a Vehicle List will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail.
DIAL System Function 70 All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Function 70 at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry by VIN as needed.
Parts
Important:
A quantity of parts will be distributed initially and billed to all involved dealers. This quantity will cover a portion of the total vehicles involved. Additional parts may be ordered as needed to support customer demand.
Each involved dealer, to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location), will receive enough Rear Brake Shoe Packages, Recall PN C3940491, at dealer cost to service 25 % of those vehicles.
Each parts package contains one left and one right rear brake lining set.
Additional parts may be ordered as needed.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for the service with their dealers at the earliest possible date. A copy of the owner notification letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Recall Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Service Procedure
1. Replace both the left and right rear brake lining assemblies with the supplied parts following the applicable Service Manual procedures.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles which have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the labor operation number and time allowance (see illustration).
Note:
See Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual, Chapter 6, Subsection H for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service for a known reason, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Vehicle Disposition Form portion of the Owner Recall Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
Chrysler Corporation 415-03-18
Recall Coordination
P.O. Box 1919 Detroit, Michigan 48231-9986
Following the above procedures will expedite the processing of your claim.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.
SAFETY RECALL -- REAR BRAKE LININGS
Dear Chrysler Corporation Vehicle Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Chrysler Corporation has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1989 model year Dodge Daytona and Chrysler LeBaron vehicles equipped with 14" brakes. The bonded rear brake linings may separate from the brake shoe plates on vehicles which have been exposed to large amounts of road salt used for snow and ice removal.
Your vehicle, identified on the enclosed form, is affected. For this reason we ask that you arrange for service to correct the condition without delay. The service and required parts as described in this letter will be provided free of charge.
The condition is caused by corrosion deterioration of the bond between the rear brake linings and the brake shoes. If a lining separates from the vehicle, the distance needed to stop the vehicle will be longer due to loss of braking from two of the wheels. Complete loss of braking will not occur because the brakes on the other two wheels will continue to operate. However, the increased stopping distance could result in an accident.
The driver will be warned that a partial loss of braking has occurred by the lighting of the Brake Warning Light on the instrument panel and/or a metallic grinding noise from the brakes when the brake pedal is pressed.
To correct the condition your dealer will replace the rear brake shoes and linings with new parts. The work will take about one hour to complete. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed. To obtain this free service:
Contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for the service.
Take the enclosed Owner Recall Notification Form with you at the time of your appointment and give it to your dealer. The form identifies the vehicle and the service that is required.
If you have any problem obtaining the needed repair, please contact the Chrysler Zone Service Office in your area. (It is listed under "Service Assistance" in your Owner's Manual.) A Zone representative will arrange for prompt attention to your vehicle.
We regret any inconvenience which this action may cause you. However, we are concerned about your safety. If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the Toll Free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393. (Washington D.C. area residents may call 366-0123.)
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.