Recall - Right Rear Brake Tube
NO843
DATE
November 1999
Safety Recall No. 843- Right Rear Brake Tube
Models
1998-1999 (JA) Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through May 12 1999 (MDH O512O7)
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requiremen~to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service as determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Subject:
The right rear brake tube on about 365,000 of the above vehicles may contact an exhaust system clamp. Prolonged brake tube contact may cause the tube to rub through and leak, resulting in a partial brake system loss and increased stopping distance; The increased stopping distance can cause an accident without warning.
Repair
The right rear brake tube must be inspected for evidence of contact and/or wear and repositioned. Brake tubes that have been in contact with the exhaust clamp must be replaced.
Alternate Transportation
If inspection determines that brake tube replacement is required and the vehicle must be held 6vemight, dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle.
Parts Information
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive two (2) non-ABS brake tubes, PN 05017469AA, and one (1) ABS brake tube, PN 05017466AA. Additional brake tubes should be ordered only after inspection determines that replacement is required. Very few vehicles are expected to require brake tube replacement The appropriate brake tube for the vehicle to be serviced may be determined by:
> Using the part code in the third column of the VIN list along with the following table (involved dealers);
> Using the VIN and part number list electronically transmitted to DIAL System Function 53 (involved dealers); or
> Entering the VIN to the DIAL VIP system (sales code information) along with the following table (all dealers).
Parts Information:
Parts Information
Service Procedure
A. Inspect Right Rear Brake Tube
1. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
Figure 1:
2. Inspect the right rear brake tube for evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp located just forward of the rear axle kick up (Figure 1)
> If the brake tube surface is damaged from contact with the exhaust clamp, the brake tube must be replaced. Continue with Section "B" - Replace Right Rear Brake Tube.
> If the brake tube is NOT damaged, reposition the tube by snapping it into the existing tube clip (Figure 1), then lower the vehicle and return it to the customer. No further action is necessary.
B. Replace Right Rear Brake Tube:
NOTE:
Only those vehicles that have damaged brake tubes, as determined by the inspection in Section "A", require replacement. Very few vehicles are expected to require brake tube replacement.
1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal using a brake pedal prop rod.
NOTE:
Keeping the brake pedal in the "applied" position makes bleeding the brakes faster and easier since only the right rear brake will require bleeding.
3. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
4. Disconnect the right rear brake tube from the rear brake hose (non-ABS) or from the rear proportioning valve (ABS).
NOTE:
Do not allow brake fluid to drip or spill on painted surfaces as this may damage the paint.
5. Disconnect the two (2) right rear parking brake cable clips.
6. On vehicles equipped with ABS, remove the right front splash shield.
7. On vehicles equipped with ABS, remove the Hydraulic Control Unit (RCU) heat shield.
8. Disconnect the right rear brake tube from the front proportioning valve (non-ABS) or from the HCU (ABS).
9. Remove the right rear brake tube from the underbody clips and then remove and discard the tube.
NOTE:
On vehicles equipped with ABS, route the tube forward through the right front wheel well opening to remove.
10. Install the new brake tube into ALL of the underbody clips.
11. Connect the front of the brake tube to the proportioning valve (non-ABS) or HCU (ABS). Torque the brake tube fitting to 145 in-lbs (16 N.m).
12. On vehicles equipped with ABS, install the HCU heat shield.
13. On vehicles equipped with ABS, install the right front splash shield.
14. Connect the brake tube to the right rear brake hose (non-ABS) or rear proportioning valve (ABS). Torque the brake tube fitting to 145 in-lbs (16N.m).
15. Install the two (2) right rear parking brake cable clips.
16. Bleed the right rear brake circuit as follows:
a. Attach a clear plastic hose to the right rear bleeder screw and feed the hose into a clear jar containing enough fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose.
b. Have a helper pump the brake pedal three or four times and then hold it in the down position.
c. With the pedal in the down position, open the bleeder screw at least one full turn.
d. Once the brake pedal has dropped, close the bleeder screw. After the bleeder screw is closed, release the brake pedal.
e. Repeat steps b through d until all trapped air is removed from the right rear brake circuit (usually four or five times).
17. Inspect brake tube connections to insure that there are no leaks and then test drive the vehicle to verify that the brakes are operating properly and the pedal feel is correct.
18. Lower the vehicle.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Times:
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Add the cost of the brake tube, if necessary, plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a list of their involved vehicles. The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "0RD843".
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner notification letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Vehicles Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.