1996 Chrysler Concorde brakes/rotors

QUEST_4_TRIBAL

MEMBER
1996 CHRYSLER CONCORDE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
226,334 MILES

Hi there my name is christian, and I was really wondering I just purchase this car named above this past week from a vary good friend car was sold AS IS, so far it looks great underneath the frame looks to my untrained eyes great axel and all i've looked it completely over from what I can tell there isn't too much wrong with it sounds great after sitting for one entire year not started and not moved I live in canada near the niagara falls canada border so you can imagine the weather we have here. So anyways to get to the poingt, since this car had a dead battery and the tire was flat and sat for one entire year I bought a new battery and new tire and rim started the engine checked the fluids and everything is toped up now moving the vehicle is another matter.

the brake rotors were very rusted over from sitting for one year and I was shown the receipts for the new brakes and brake rotors bought 2 years ago and replaced by a qualified mechanic. When we moved the vehicle the left side drivers side rear wheel was locked from all the rust, we costed the vehicle in a large church parking lot and the brakes grabbed right away no question I think they need to be bled a bit though for more pressure should I be concerned about this should I replace the rotors and brake pads, i'm really on the tightes budget and cannot afford to do so will they pass a safety if driven for a while to rubb the rust off I plan on have a licensed mechanic look at the vehicle but just wanted some imput, with all the research i've been doing on the internet and checking out forums everyone says its fine to drive off the rust PLEASE HELP.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

Rust buildup is normal from humidity in the air. Driving it will wear off the rust. No need to replace parts yet. Bleeding is not the answer. The hydraulic system must be bled when air is in the fluid causing a low, mushy brake pedal.

It's one thing for the left front brake to grab or lock easily; that will go away. If it doesn't release though, that's a different issue. After applying the brakes and releasing them, the car should creep ahead on its own when idling in gear. You should be able to push it by hand too on a flat surface. If it doesn't creep on its own, holler back for more info. That's not something to ignore.

It's common for tires to go flat when sitting for a long time. Unless it's a cast wheel with lots of corrosion, you should be able to just pump it up; you don't have to replace it. Same with the battery. Unless it was bad already or froze over the winter, it will not discharge completely. Due to all the computers with memory circuits that put a small drain on the battery, Chrysler only guarantees the engine will start after sitting for three weeks. Even though it won't start after sitting a few weeks, it takes a lot longer for the battery to discharge so much that it freezes. It's not inconceivable that it could last a year and still be ok with a slow charge.

See what happens after driving for a day or two. I'm betting the brake problems will go away.

Caradiodoc