NHTSA recall 02E017004 · Equipment
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
The defect
Arvinmeritor tie rod end service kits shipped between march 1 and december 1, 2000. the date codes involved are 9L1, 9L2, 9L3, 9L4, 9L5, 9M1, 9M2, 9M3, 9M4, OA1, OA2, OA3, OA4, OA5, OB1, OB2, OB3, OB4, OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4, OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4, OE1, OE2, OF2, OF3, OF4, OG1, OG2, OG3, OG4. the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature deterioration of the socket in some applications. this could lead to tie rod end ball separation from the socket.
The risk
If this condition occurs, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The remedy
Pierce will notify its customers and replace the ball socket assemblies free of charge. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact pierce at 888-974-3723.