Defect summary
THE SAGINAW GEAR DOES NOT RELIEVE PRESSURE WHEN THE WHEELS HAVE BEEN TURNED FULLY AGAINST THE AXLE STOPS. THE RESULTING CONTINUED PRESSURE ON THE STEERING SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRACKS IN THE SPLINES OF THE PITMAN SHAFT, WHICH CAN DEVELOP INTO A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE PITMAN SHAFT.
Consequence
FRACTURE OF THE PITMAN SHAFT CAUSES COMPLETE LOSS OFSTEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT IF FRACTURE OCCURSWHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Remedy
REPLACE THE EXISTING PITMAN SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW, STRENGTHENED PITMAN SHAFT.
Notes
SYSTEM: STEERING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS AND BUSES EQUIPPED WITH SAGINAW 710 PONCESTEERING GEAR.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 92V153000. Text as published by NHTSA.