The problem
On some heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with arvinmeritor axle assemblies which may have been manufactured with trw model 20edl ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications.
The risk
If this condition occurs, the driver can lose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the ball socket assemblies. Owner notification began october 25, 2002. 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 920-832-3000.
Contacts
Pierce recall number- 74b35. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Pierce dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V037007.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.