NHTSA Campaign 96V081000
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
Issued by SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. · Reported May 17, 1996 · 604 vehicles affected
What's wrong
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.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOOSENING OF THE JOINT AND ULTIMATE SEPARATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING.
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.
Vehicles affected by this recall
| Make | Model | Year | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPARTAN | ALPINE | 1996 | 604 |
| SPARTAN | BUS | 1996 | 604 |
| SPARTAN | HIGHLANDER | 1996 | 604 |
| SPARTAN | MOUNTAIN MASTER | 1996 | 604 |
Source: NHTSA Campaign 96V081000 on nhtsa.gov. To check the current repair status for a specific vehicle, use our free VIN decoder.