BECAUSE OF A MACHINING INCONSISTENCY, THERE IS A HIGH PISTON-TO-BALL CONTACT ANGLE IN THE STEERING GEAR WORM DRIVE. THIS CONTACT CAUSES THE BALLS TO TRY TO ROTATE ON TWO DIFFERENT ROLLING RADII AT TWO DIFFERENT SPEEDS, CAUSING THE BALL TO DAMAGE THE CONTACT SURFACES OF THE PISTON AND SPINDLE DURING STATIC OR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INVOKING FULL OR NEAR FULL TURNS.
STEERING ABILITY DETERIORATES AND EVENTUALLY STEERINGLOCKUP OCCURS DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
REPLACE BENDIX C300N STEERING GEARS WITH NEW GEARS.
SYSTEM: STEERING, GEAR BOX.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS WITH BENDIX C300N STEERING GEARS.NOTE: FOR BUS APPLICABILITY CALL FORD'S TOLL-FREE NUMBER (1-800-392-3673) ANDPROVIDE VIN.