Chrysler LeBaron Disc Brake Pad Set Guide (1989-1995)
Find the right aftermarket brake pads to restore safe, quiet stopping power to your 1989-1995 LeBaron.
- A major 1992 recall (92V017000) was issued for pad separation; modern aftermarket pads are made with superior bonding and do not have this issue.
- For most owners, a quality 'Daily Driver' ceramic or semi-metallic pad from brands like Bosch, Wagner, or Raybestos offers the best blend of performance and value.
- Always replace brake rotors at the same time as the pads to ensure proper performance and longevity.
- The job is DIY-friendly for those with basic tools and can save significant labor costs.
Signs of Worn Brake Pads on Your LeBaron
Brake pads are a normal wear item, but ignoring the signs can be dangerous. If your LeBaron is showing symptoms of bad brake pads, it's time for a replacement.
- Squealing or Screeching: Most brake pads have a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad material gets low, this tab contacts the rotor and makes a high-pitched noise to alert you.
- Grinding Noises: If you hear a deep, metallic grinding sound, it means the pad material is completely gone. The metal backing plate is now grinding against the rotor, causing serious damage and severely reducing your stopping power.
- Pulsing or Vibrating Pedal: A pulsing sensation in the brake pedal often points to warped brake rotors, but it can also be caused by unevenly worn pads. It is best practice to replace pads and rotors together.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you feel like you have to press the brake pedal harder or that the car takes longer to stop, your brake pads are likely worn out and can no longer create enough friction.
Important Safety Recall: Brake Pad Separation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued recall 92V017000 for many Chrysler vehicles of this era, including the LeBaron. The recall addresses an issue where the bonded brake pad material could separate from its metal backing plate. This can lead to a sudden and severe loss of braking ability. While this recall was issued decades ago, it highlights the importance of using quality aftermarket parts with strong bonding agents. When buying new pads, you are installing a part that should not have this original manufacturing defect.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
For a vehicle like the 1989-1995 LeBaron, original equipment (OEM) parts are scarce. The good news is that modern aftermarket brake pads often meet or exceed the quality of the original parts from the 1990s. The key is to choose the right brand and material for your needs.
Brake Pad Brand Tiers
The brands available can be grouped into general quality tiers. Your choice depends on your budget and how you drive your LeBaron.
- Economy Brands (e.g., Total Stopping Solutions, Dynamic Friction): These are budget-friendly options that provide basic, reliable stopping power for normal daily driving. They meet federal safety standards and are a good choice if you're trying to keep an older car on the road affordably.
- Daily Driver Brands (e.g., Centric, Raybestos, Wagner, Bosch): These brands offer an excellent balance of performance, low noise, and durability. Brands like Wagner (Thermoquiet line) and Bosch (QuietCast line) are well-regarded for being quiet and producing minimal dust. Raybestos is another solid, dependable choice. These are the most popular choice for most LeBaron owners.
- Premium & Performance Brands (e.g., Akebono, Brembo, EBC Brakes, Powerstop): Akebono is known for making high-quality, long-lasting ceramic pads that are often used as original equipment by car manufacturers. Brembo, EBC, and Powerstop are geared more towards performance driving, offering superior heat dissipation and stopping power, which may be more than what a standard LeBaron requires but are an excellent high-quality option.
Pro Tip: Replace Rotors and Service Calipers
For the best results, always replace your brake rotors when you install new pads. A fresh, flat surface ensures the new pads bed-in correctly and provides smooth, powerful braking. Also, take the time to clean and lubricate the caliper slide pins. 🎬 Watch: Complete LeBaron brake, rotor, and caliper replacement walkthrough. Sticking slide pins can cause uneven pad wear and braking problems.
Typical Costs for LeBaron Brake Pad Replacement
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Aftermarket Economy Pads | $20 - $45 |
| Aftermarket Daily Driver Pads | $45 - $90 |
| Aftermarket Premium/Performance Pads | $90 - $160+ |
| Shop Labor (Pads Only) | $100 - $180 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Semi-metallic pads use metal fibers in their friction material. They are durable and have good heat transfer but can be noisier and create more dust. Ceramic pads use dense ceramic material and non-ferrous fibers. They are known for being very quiet, producing little dust, and offering smooth stopping power, making them a popular premium choice.
Do I have to replace my brake rotors with the pads?
It is highly recommended. Over time, rotors can become warped, grooved, or worn too thin. Installing new pads on a worn rotor can lead to noise, vibration, and reduced pad life. Since rotors for the LeBaron are not expensive, replacing them at the same time is a smart investment.
🎬 See how to replace drum brake shoes on a Chrysler.What was the 1992 brake pad recall about?
NHTSA recall 92V017000 was for brake pads where the friction material could detach from the metal backing plate due to a bonding problem. This could cause the pad to fail, leading to a loss of braking. Any new aftermarket pad you purchase today will be made with modern, more reliable bonding processes and will not have this specific defect.
How difficult is it to change LeBaron brake pads myself?
For a person with basic mechanical skills and tools, changing the front brake pads on a LeBaron is a very manageable DIY job. The process is straightforward and involves removing the wheel and a few bolts on the brake caliper. There are many general video guides online that show the process on similar front-wheel-drive cars.
🎬 Watch: A complete DIY guide to replacing front pads and rotors.Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Vehicle may be equipped with 14-inch or 15-inch brakes, which can affect part selection. The front brakes are disc type, while some rear configurations may be drum brakes. Recall for original pads was NHTSA Campaign ID: 92V017000.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chrysler LeBaron:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Signs of Worn Brake Pads on Your LeBaron
- Important Safety Recall: Brake Pad Separation
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
- Brake Pad Brand Tiers
- Pro Tip: Replace Rotors and Service Calipers
- Typical Costs for LeBaron Brake Pad Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
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