2008 Jeep Patriot: "Part No Longer Available"

[RUSSELL5000]

In the general rule that nothing is easy, I cannot find a replacement part for my 2008 Jeep Patriot. I damaged one rear brake backing plate assembly trying to get the rear suspension components off in order to replace my rusted rear cross-member. I searched and searched on the internet and all I found was “No Longer Available.” I finally found one outlet that listed the part numbers (separate part numbers for left and right). I ordered an assembly for each wheel (I have yet to try to separate the trailing arm assembly on the other side, but figured it would be best to just replace.) I received an e-mail following my order stating that the part numbers had been superceded and that the cost was going to go up by $1.51 (the cost of each brake backing plate assembly is roughly $45). So, I said OK.

The parts arrived and, as these things go in life, they did not fit. (I note that every other part I have ordered so far looks exactly like the original component). The assemblies will fit onto the trailing arm, but then the anchor pin for the parking brake shoes is at roughly the two o’clock position rather than the twelve o’clock position. The parking brake shoes fit, but because they are rotated over, it does not look to me that the parking brake cable will attach properly. I have not actually tried this, but this certainly seems like it will not work. What is certain is that it is not the same part that was on there originally.

What other options may I have? Should I go to the dealer and see if they can help me get a replacement part (I assume the dealer will only tell me that the part is no longer available)? How about a salvage part? Are there reliable online vendors of salvage parts? Do you think it possible to specify a salvage part from some place where rust is not such a problem (e.g., Arizona)?

Thanks!

 

[jgillott]

Salvage yard may be your best bet. I would start local and go from there. You may get lucky and find a rust free part. Doubtful, but it could happen.

 

[Wayne M.]

I would start hitting jeep parts departments, and keep moving on until you find a counterman who's willing to work with you. Bring your vin. I wouldn't trust online suppliers unless you hit on one who will bend over backwards. You really need this resource.
Sometimes Dorman repops these tin items. Research rock auto to see about that.

 

[mwilson]

I would start hitting jeep parts departments, and keep moving on until you find a counterman who's willing to work with you. Bring your vin. I wouldn't trust online suppliers unless you hit on one who will bend over backwards. You really need this resource.
Sometimes Dorman repops these tin items. Research rock auto to see about that.

Good advice here.

I also wonder if there might be a Parts bulletin providing the backing plate part number change is valid. They might have made a change in the middle of production so the decision was made to offer the newer part only and there are other items needed to make the part work.

Also if you have the part number try https://www.vpartsinc.com/ you can’t buy it as it is dealer only but I believe you can check stock. OEM’s sell slow moving inventory to them. We have to use them several times a month for older Freightliner and Sterling stuff. That’s how I know they do Mopar as well.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks much, guys.

I have some egg on my face to a certain extent. I carefully studied the service manual while I ate my sandwich at lunch today. The anchor pin is not at noon as you look at the trailing arm; when installed on the vehicle the trailing is at an angle and so the anchor pin approaches noon.

The passenger side backing plate lies perfectly flat against the trailing arm. The driver side has a tiny gap because the edge of the large rivet contacts the trailing arm. I could grind about 1/16th of an inch off the rivet edge and then it will lie flat. This may be a simple manufacturing flaw?

The anchor pin appears to be longer. I ran out of time tonight, but tomorrow I'll get the caliper out and measure. I think I'll also try to test assemble the trailing arm, backing plate, wheel hub, parking brake shoes, and drum/rotor for the passenger side. Maybe it will work out.

I'll look up some numbers.

Thanks!!

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I test fit everything together this evening. The actual backing plate itself is shaped differently, which I assume explains why the plates came with a set of brake shoe pins. The shoes appear to ride on high points fine. The "ears" and bolt holes align for mounting the caliper. The "drum rotor" appears to sit on fine.

I hit the driver side with the needle scaler. The one rivet butts right up against the trailing arm. I did not see as clealry before due to the mass of rust covering everything.

So, it looks like the order was correct and the part number was superceded. I am not sure why the shapes on the backing plate itself are somewhat different, but does not appear to cause any problem. The passenger side is ready to assemble, and all I have to do is grind a sliver off the rivet head on the driver side.

The weather is favorable for the balance f the week, and so I can live in vinyl gloves and eye goggles and grab the brushes and coat, coat, coat. It would be great if I could actually install something this weekend!!!!

Thanks.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

OK, so someone I was talking to said: "Did you search by part number?" I went to moparpartsoverstock.com, entered my vehicle, selected the diagram for the parking brake, and there is nowhere to select the backing plate assembly even thought it appears on the diagram. However, I searched for the part number and it came right up and let me place it in the cart.
HUH??

I think I need to go and stalk Mike Wilson for a few days because this makes no sense to me. Oh well, moving on.....

 

[mwilson]

Probably with the rear axle or something, they show it on the drawing you were looking at just for reference purposes perhaps......happens with truck stuff all the time...

 

[mwilson]

I just looked in my Repair Link by Year, Make and Model instead by VIN. The parking brake system comes up in it's own group, not with the rear brakes...

Do you have a part number that I can test for you??? Should have the VIN to get it right.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Vin: 1J8FF28W88D758825

2008 Jeep Patriot 2.4L Gas Engine, 5spd Manual, 4WD Sport

Left: 05191219AB
Right: 05191220AB

What I found strange was that I would see the diagram with the parts, the parts would have a number pointing to them, and then you would see a table with that number to sect the part and place in the cart. I went through numerous mopar sites that did not have the part in the table to put in the cart or said "No Longer Available". The "NLA" is how I found the part number.

I tested a couple of other sites and when I searched on part number it came right up!

I learn something every day.... I will know for next time.

Thanks!!

 

[mwilson]

Those part numbers check out for Left and Right using your VIN. No zero in front in my Repair Link. You are good to go....

 

[RUSSELL5000]

Thanks! Live and learn.