NHTSA recall 04E003000 · Equipment
Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection
The defect
Replacement clamp assemblies and drag link assemblies that contain a potentially defective 5/8-11-grade b prevailing torque hex nut manufactured between november 14 and december 12, 2003. if the final tightening of the 5/8-11-grade b prevailing torque hex nut IS less than 65 lb.-ft, the clamp load would be unacceptably low and could compromise the integrity of the drag link to the point where the ball socket could separate from the drag link causing loss of steering control.
The risk
Loss of steering control could result in a vehicle crash, possibly causing injuries or death.
The remedy
Trw has notified the vehicle manufacturers which they will notify their customers. notification to customer began january 14, 2004. the remedy IS to either torque the nut to 75 - 85 lb.-ft. Of torque, or to replace the defective nut with a new one. this repair will be preformed at no cost to the customer.