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.