Campaign - Driveshaft Replacement
No. 496March, 1991
To: All Dodge and Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers
Subject:
Customer Satisfaction Notification # 496 - Driveshaft Replacement
Models:
1991 Manual Transmission Equipped AA (Plymouth Acclaim, Dodge Spirit) Vehicles Built From Job # 1 Through 10/01/90 at Newark Assembly and Through 9/21/90 at Toluca Assembly Plant
On the listed vehicles, the left-hand side drive shaft boot may come in contact with the transmission case resulting in a boot "rub-through' condition. This is caused by expansion of the-neoprene boot at highway rotational speeds.
To correct the condition, the drive shaft assembly must be replaced with an assembly using a different, thermoplastic boot material which will not expand to contact the transmission case.
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.
Note:
No videotape of the service procedure for this recall will be provided with the Master Tech program because the requirements are simple and do not require a video demonstration.
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 Chrysler-Plymouth 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
Important:
Parts will be shipped and billed to involved dealers in accordance with the recently announced Recall Parts Pricing policy.
A partial quantity of left side drive shaft packages will be distributed initially to all involved dealers. As this quantity will be only a portion of the total parts requirement, dealers must order additional packages as needed to support customer demand.
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same location) will receive enough Left Side Drive Shaft Packages, Recall PN C3940420, to service 50% of those vehicles. Each package contains one drive shaft assembly. Also included in each package is an instruction summary for convenient reference by the servicing technician.
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. Remove the cotter pin, nut lock and spring washer at the hub nut.
2. Loosen the hub nut and wheel nuts while the vehicle is on the floor and the brakes are applied.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
4. Remove the hub nut, washer, wheel and tire assembly.
5. Remove the clamp bolt securing the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.
6. Separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle by prying against the knuckle leg and control arm.
7. Separate the outer C/V joint splined shaft from the hub by holding the C/V housing while moving the knuckle and hub assembly away.
8. Pull outward on the inner joint housing of the shaft to disengage the shaft from the transaxle and remove the shaft assembly from the vehicle.
Note:
Before installing the shaft to the hub, thoroughly clean and relubricate the seal and wear sleeve.
9. Install the supplied shaft assembly following the above procedure in reverse.
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.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION - DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT
Dear Chrysler Corporation Car Owner:
The satisfaction of our customers is very important to Chrysler. Because of this, we are offering a special service for certain manual transmission equipped 1991 Plymouth Acclaim and Dodge Spirit vehicles. Owners of these vehicles are being requested to return them to their dealers for this corrective action. The service and required parts as described in this letter will be provided free of charge.
The service is needed to prevent the left-hand side driveshaft boot from rubbing against the transmission case at highway speeds. This could cause the boot to wear through, resulting in possible damage to the driveshaft.
Your Plymouth Acclaim or Dodge Spirit, whose Vehicle Identification Number is shown on the enclosed form, is one of the affected vehicles. Therefore we ask that you arrange for this important service without delay.
To correct the condition, your dealer will replace the present driveshaft and boot with an assembly having a revised boot. The work will take about one-half hour to complete. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed. To arrange for this improvement:
^ Contact your dealer at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment for the free service.
^ Take the enclosed Owner Recall Notification Form with you at the time of your appointment and give it to your dealer. The form shows the identification number for the vehicle which requires service.
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 Operator's Manual.) A Zone representative will arrange for prompt completion of the work.
We regret any inconvenience that this action may cause you. However, we believe that this special service will help to ensure your continuing satisfaction with your Plymouth or Dodge car.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.