Recall - Front Brake Rotor and Pad Replacement: Overview

RECALL NUMBER
92S45

Date
June, 1992

PARTS AVAILABILITY
At Dealers By as Req'd.
0 % of Parts Direct Shipped to Dealers
At PDC By Now
Date in Owner Letter

TO:
All Lincoln-Mercury Dealers

SUBJECT:
Safety Recall 92S45 - Recall of Certain 1988 Through 1991 Continental Cars for Front Brake Rotor and Brake Pad Replacement

AFFECTED VEHICLES
1988 through 1991 Continental cars built prior to February 1, 1991 currently registered or originally sold in the following states:
Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.

REASONS FOR RECALL
The front brake rotors of the affected vehicles may corrode and fracture when braking. This condition could result in a reduction in braking performance. It is caused by severe corrosion which may occur if the car is operated primarily in areas where large quantities of road salts are used for road dust or ice control. A fractured rotor typically would produce a loud grinding or rattling noise. Such a fracture would result in a loss of braking at the corresponding front wheel because the braking disc would be stopped but the tire and wheel assembly would be free to rotate. This could result in a brake pull, increased stopping distances and possibly a collision.

NOTE:
The corrosion is attributed to the extremely heavy use of sodium chloride and calcium chloride salts for road dust or ice control, which can weaken the hub section of the rotor causing it to fracture near the junction with the cast material.

To correct this condition, dealers are to replace the front brake rotors and front brake pads on each of the affected cars.



REFUNDS
Owners of affected cars that have had front rotors and/or front brake pads replaced for any reason are entitled to a refund for the cost of the rotors and linings including labor. Replacement or overhaul of front brake calipers is not covered by this recall and is considered the customers responsibility.


ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I
- Administrative Information

Attachment II
- Labor Allowances
- Parts Ordering Information

Attachment III
- Technical Information