A Guide to Disc Brake Rotors for the 1994-2001 Chrysler LHS
Solve common brake vibration and noise issues by choosing the right replacement rotors for your LHS.
- Vibration or pulsation during braking is the most common sign of failed rotors on an LHS.
- Always replace brake pads and rotors at the same time for the best performance and safety.
- For rust-belt areas, choosing a coated rotor from a brand like Centric or Raybestos is a smart upgrade to prevent rust on the hub.
- Quality aftermarket brands often provide better value and performance than the original factory rotors for this vehicle.
Is It Time for New Rotors on Your Chrysler LHS?
The most common sign of a failing brake rotor on the 1994-2001 Chrysler LHS is a vibration or pulsation felt in the steering wheel or brake pedal when you apply the brakes. This is often caused by the rotor warping or having uneven wear from heat and pressure over time. Some owners of this vehicle have noted that the original brakes felt undersized for the car, potentially leading to faster wear and warping.
Other key symptoms include:
- Grinding or Squealing Noises: While often a sign of worn pads, a loud grinding noise means the pads are completely worn away and the metal caliper is grinding into the rotor, destroying it.
- Visible Damage: A visual inspection may show deep grooves, scoring, or significant rust on the rotor's surface.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If the rotors are too thin or glazed, they can't dissipate heat effectively, leading to a condition called brake fade and reduced stopping power.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Rotor: Brand Tiers
For a vehicle like the LHS, aftermarket rotors offer excellent value and, in some cases, an improvement over the original factory parts. Brands can be grouped into tiers based on their intended use and quality.
Economy / Daily Driver
These brands offer a direct, budget-friendly replacement for a daily driven vehicle. They meet OEM specifications and are a good choice for drivers who are not hard on their brakes.
- Pronto: A solid choice for basic, no-frills replacement parts.
- Dynamic Friction: Offers OE-quality replacement rotors designed for everyday commuting.
- Centric C-TEK: This is Centric's economy line, providing a reliable, low-cost option.
Standard Replacement / OEM-Quality
These brands are the most popular choice, offering quality and longevity that meets or exceeds the original parts, often with improved features.
- Bendix: A long-standing brand with a reputation for reliable, quality brake components.
- Raybestos: Their Element3 and Professional Grade lines are well-regarded and a popular choice for replacing OEM rotors that have warped.
- Centric Premium: Often considered a step up, these rotors frequently feature a black E-coating on the hat and edges to prevent rust, which is a great feature for cars in wet or snowy climates.
- Brembo (OE Replacement): While famous for performance, Brembo also makes high-quality standard replacement rotors.
Pro Tip: Look for rotors with a coating (often called E-coating, Geomet, or simply "painted"). This coating is applied to the non-contact areas of the rotor, like the center hat and cooling vanes, to prevent rust and keep them looking better behind open-spoke wheels.
Performance / Heavy-Duty Upgrade
If you want improved braking performance, better cooling, or a more aggressive look, these brands offer upgrades over stock. They are often sold as kits with matching pads.
- Powerstop: Very popular for their affordable and complete brake kits, which often include drilled and slotted rotors and performance pads for improved cooling and stopping power.
- EBC Brakes: A UK-based company known for high-performance rotors, including slotted and sport-dimpled options that help expel gas and brake dust for more consistent performance under hard use.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
There are no major recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically for the disc brake rotors on the 1994-2001 Chrysler LHS. However, owner complaints frequently mention brake pulsation and noise. Additionally, a class-action lawsuit was filed in the 1990s concerning "Bendix 10" ABS systems used on various 1990-1995 Chrysler vehicles, which could include early LHS models, for unpredictable brake behavior. This highlights the importance of maintaining the entire brake system in good working order.
| Rotor Tier | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Economy / Daily Driver | $39 - $60 |
| Standard Replacement (Coated) | $55 - $85 |
| Performance (Drilled/Slotted) | $70 - $105+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace my brake pads when I replace my rotors?
Yes, absolutely. It is highly recommended to install new brake pads whenever you replace your rotors. Placing old, worn pads on a new, perfectly flat rotor surface will cause uneven wear, noise, and reduced performance.
What's the difference between front and rear rotors?
Front and rear rotors are not interchangeable. The front brakes on the LHS do a majority of the braking, so the rotors are typically larger and thicker to handle more heat. The rear rotors are smaller. Always ensure you are purchasing the correct rotors for the front or rear axle.
Do I need to resurface or "turn" new rotors?
No. New aftermarket rotors are ready for installation right out of the box. They are manufactured to precise tolerances and have a non-directional surface finish for proper pad break-in. Resurfacing is a process for used rotors, and with the low cost of new rotors, it is almost always better to replace them.
Why are my brakes still shaking after replacing the rotors?
If you still have a vibration after installing new pads and rotors, other issues could be the cause. A seized caliper slide pin, a bad wheel bearing, or even an issue with the suspension could be to blame. It's also important to ensure the wheel hub surface was cleaned of all rust and debris before installing the new rotor, as even a small amount of rust can cause runout and vibration.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68193434AC
Note: A definitive list of OEM part numbers for all years is not readily available. The number provided is an example and may not fit all model years. Always verify fitment with your vehicle's specific information before ordering. Front and rear rotors are different and not interchangeable.
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 LHS: