nelsondl

Hello,
I have a 91 Cherokee XJ, with the following infamous ABS pump recall:

"DECEMBER 27 1996
NHTSA Reference
#96V260000
Number Affected
52,000
Summary: Vehicle description: Vehicles equipped with antilock brake system (ABS). The antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear which could cause pump-motor deterioration.

Consequence: If this occurs, the ABS function would be lose and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking. The instrument panel warning lights will signal system impairment and the base manual brakes will remain functional.

Fix: Dealers will test the vehicle's ABS and repair as necessary. The warranty on all ABS components will be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). Owners will be reimbursed for previous ABS component repair costs."


The recall was already completed on this vehicle in 2005, but the ABS pump has failed again. I just talked to the Chrysler recall center, and I was told that their is no warranty for that part, and I was denied any help from Chrysler. The NHTSA recall clearly states that the ABS pump motor assembly will have lifetime coverage. I have read of others having problems with Chrysler following through with this. I also read that they were just fined $105mil for mishandling recalls.

My question is, do I have a valid recall here because of the stated lifetime coverage?
Do I have a lawsuit against Chrysler for denying this? How would one go about suing them for refusing to stand by the stated NHTSA recall?

My ABS pump has failed, and I've lost power brakes. This part also apparently can't be bought anywhere, so what do I do to fix this?
Any help is greatly appreciated!

LACK

Before you get all sue happy, call your local dealer and talk to them about it. They may be a lot more helpful. Tell them you have the recall paperwork and it states lifetime warranty, be polite about it.

bad_idea

I don't think litigation will turn out to be in your benefit. More trouble than it's worth. As LACK said, I would call a couple local dealerships and see what they have to say.

Worse case, you can delete the ABS system on the Jeep and go to regular power brakes. Good time to upgrade the brakes while you are in there. Swap in a WJ booster and master cylinder, much better stopping distance. My 90 wouldn't lock the wheels (33s) with the stock master/booster, with the WJ booster/master they lock right up. From there you can follow this swap: http://www.naxja.org/html/techarticl...ll_OEM_ABS.htm Looks like a good write up. I have no personal experience with pulling the ABS in a XJ, but I have done a good amount of custom brake work with my older cars.

nelsondl

Thank you for the responses. I guess my only choice is to swap in a different braking system, seeing as I can't even find the abs pump. Thank you for the link!

DFlintstone

I think you have the Bendix 9 system, fully warranted (transferable, lifetime) by Chrysler. Booger is they don't have the parts, nobody does....If you CAN locate parts they should install them free. A pump did sell on Ebay for $50 less then a year ago. Anyway, here's my thread. In it is info about swapping to a normal vacuum booster, ending with me finding and fixing the problem with it. (for now!) > https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ben...ee-abs-202633/

nelsondl

Thanks for the replies, and direction for the swap to the normal booster system. With the holidays I will be delayed, but I'll follow up with my progress and inevitable questions. Thanks again guys!

DFlintstone

I'm sure you can check in for help. It DID occur to me, your (post 90) conversion might be pretty easy for a few reasons.

*Pre 91 might have metric stuff, (lines), that you won't need to hassle.(not sure)
*Your post 90 likely uses the push-rod and brake switch setup that will match your Vac Booster. (Pre 91 needs modification)
* Never seen it, but there is a new supper bendy type brake line you should be able to buy with fittings that will fit right up to your stuff, and the replacement vacuum booster.

DFlintstone

Correct, that is indeed BS. The Bendix 9 pump, and I believe "actuator" (master cyl) is warenteed for life. Do understand it's not the dealers fault Chrysler gave us all the shaft.