NHTSA recall campaign
96V081000
What was wrong
Defect
THE DRAGLINKS HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-TILT SEAL ON THE PITMAN END THAT CAN AFFECT THE TAPER FIT OF THE BALL STUD TAPER INTO THE PITMAN ARM. THE RECOMMENDED TORQUE ON THE STUD NUT DOES NOT OVERCOME THE COMPRESSION OF THE ANTI-TILT SEAL.
Risk
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOOSENING OF THE JOINT AND ULTIMATE SEPARATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE WASHERS WITH 90 DEGREE FLANGES WITH WASHERS HAVING A 45 DEGREE FLANGE AND SANDWICH THE RUBBER BUSHING IN THE ANTI-TILT SEAL. THE FLANGES ALLOW THE BUSHING TO PROPERLY EXPAND. IF A BODY HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON THE CHASSIS, THE PITMAN ARM WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
To check whether your specific VIN is covered and to find a participating dealer, look this campaign up on NHTSA.gov →