Recall - Left Rear Brake Tube
No. 502March, 1991
To: All Jeep-Eagle and Dodge Dealers
Subject:
Safety Recall # 502 -- Left Rear Brake Tube
Models:
1990 and 1991 Model Year Eagle Premier and Dodge Monaco Vehicles Built From May 1, 1990 Through December 9, 1990
Reference : Recall # 486 -- Front Brake Hoses and Left Rear Brake Tube, February, 1991
The left rear brake tube on involved vehicles may be subject to damage from contact with the fuel tank heat shield when the rear suspension is in a full jounce position. This can result in brake fluid leakage and loss of half of the brake hydraulic system.
This recall involves all 1990 Premier and Monaco vehicles not in the above referenced recall # 486, as well as early built 1991 models. Only rear brake tube service is required for this recall (# 502).
To avoid brake tube damage, the fuel tank heat shield must be modified.
Note:
This service procedure is demonstrated on videotape as part of the March, 1991 Master Tech and VideoTec programs for Recall # 486.
Important:
Some of the involved vehicles may still be in dealer stock. Be sure to complete the service on these vehicles before retail delivery.
Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.
Vehicle List
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location) will receive a vehicle list with this letter 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.
Each Dodge or Jeep/Eagle dealer without a Vehicle List will receive an information copy of this letter by Compak Mail for use in performing the service on involved vehicles upon request.
Parts
No parts are required for heat shield modification. In the event that a left rear brake tube shows signs of fluid leakage due to contact with the heat shield, the tube should be replaced following normal brake tube replacement service procedures.
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 # 83-295-0019. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Service Procedure
1. Locate the fuel tank shield mounted between the tank and the exhaust system tail pipe on the left rear of the vehicle underbody, (Figure 1).
2. Measure 2.0 inches from the lower tip of the shield and mark a line, (Figure 1).
3. Bend the shield on the marked line, away from the fuel tank (Figure 2).
4. If the tube is positioned away (rearward) from the rear suspension crossmember, move it forward so it is positioned against the crossmember, (Figure 2).
Note:
If a tube shows signs of fluid leakage from shield contact damage, replace the tube following normal brake tube servicing 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 one of the labor operation numbers and time allowances (see illustration).
Add the cost of the brake tube (if used) plus applicable to your claim.
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 - LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE
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 1990 and 1991 model Eagle Premiers and Dodge Monacos. 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 defined in this letter will be provided free of charge.
The defect involves the brake hydraulic system on affected vehicles. The left rear brake tube may rub against a fuel tank heat shield during movement of the rear suspension. This can wear through the tube causing a brake fluid leak.
If brake fluid leakage occurs, it will cause loss of braking from two of the wheels. In that case, the distance needed to stop the vehicle will be longer. However, complete loss of braking will not occur because the brakes on the other two wheels will continue to operate.
With this defect, the driver will be warned that a partial loss of braking has occurred. The warning will be provided by the lighting of the Brake Warning Light on the instrument panel when the brake pedal is pressed. If this warning signal is ignored, the increased stopping distance could result in a crash.
To correct this problem, the fuel tank heat shield must be modified to prevent possible contact between the shield and the left rear brake tube. Your dealer will also inspect the left rear brake tube for damage and replace it if necessary. The heat shield service will take less than one-half hour to complete. If the brake tube is also replaced, the complete service will take about one hour. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer service appointments are scheduled and processed.
To obtain this free service:
^ Contact your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for the repair.
^ 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 recall for which service is required.
If you have any problem obtaining the needed service, please contact the Chrysler Zone Service Office in your area. (It is listed under "Service Assistance" in your Operator's Manual.) A Zone representative will arrange for prompt servicing of your vehicle.
We regret any inconvenience which this action may cause you. However, we believe that you understand our concern for motor vehicle safety, and for your continued satisfaction with our products. If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge 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.