The investigation discovered certain vehicles have brake booster with small crimp joints; and these joints may exhibit corrosion when exposed to water. Should water enter the boosters through corroded joints – a previously unseen occurrence – brake function may be compromised if the water freezes.
Absent water ingestion in sub-freezing conditions, a booster that exhibits corrosion will deliver brake function in compliance with federal safety standards. (The vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic boost compensation system that aids performance, even when booster vacuum levels are low.) However, customers may experience excessive brake-pedal firmness.
Remind your customers of the importance of regular brake inspections. Most drivers will only have their brakes inspected when they run into a problem; hence many rotors, pads and other components are kept beyond their proper and safe use‐by dates.
Regular inspection provides greater safety for motorists, greater replacement trade for workshops, and the real opportunity for you to up‐sell to higher quality components.
Chrysler Group will inspect the brake boosters on certain Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs, model years 2011-2014. The boosters may be replaced if their capability has been reduced. All boosters will be equipped with a shield to insulate their crimp joints from water.