Description

No. 486
February, 1991

To: All Jeep-Eagle and Dodge Dealers

Subject:
Safety Recall # 486 -- Front Brake Hoses and Left Rear Brake Tube

Models:
1988, 1989 and 1990 Model Year Eagle Premier and 1990 Dodge Monaco Passenger Cars Built Before May, 1990.

The front brake hoses and the left rear brake tube on certain of the vehicles listed above may be subject to damage from two separate problems, both affecting the brake hydraulic system:

1. Front wheel brake hose routing on all of the listed vehicles may cause excessive hose flexing at the end fittings, possibly resulting in fatigue cracking of the hose cover and eventual failure of the hose.

2. On 1989 and 1990 model year vehicles only, a fuel tank heat shield mounted to the rear underbody (between the tank and the exhaust system tail pipe) may contact and damage the left rear brake tube when the rear suspension is in a full jounce position.

Either of these conditions can result in brake fluid leakage and loss of half of the diagonally split brake hydraulic system.

To eliminate the possibility of front brake hose or left rear brake tube failure, all affected vehicles must be corrected as follows:

A. -Brake Hoses -- All involved 1988, 1989 and 1990 vehicles: Both front brake hoses must be replaced with redesigned hoses that provide a modified routing configuration.

B. -Fuel Tank Heat Shield -- 1989 and 1990 model year vehicles only: The fuel tank heat shield must be modified to prevent possible contact between the shield and the left rear brake tube.

Details of this service action are explained in the following sections.

Note:
As an additional service aid, a videotape demonstrating the service procedure is included in the March, 1991 Master Tech and VideoTec programs.

Vehicle List

Each dealer to whom involved cars 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 cars as needed.

Each dealer without a Vehicle List will receive an information copy of this letter by Compak Mail for use in performing the service on involved cars upon request.