The problem
On certain heavy duty trucks, the joint between the lower portion of the steering column and the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft may have a missing or loose pinch bolt. This condition could also occur at the lower end of the intermediate steering shaft at the steering gear connection.
The risk
If a pinch bolt is missing or vibrates loose, the shaft could separate from the steering column or steering gear, and /or allow slippage between the joined shafts, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect both ends of the shaft to ensure the pinch bolt is installed and/or properly torqued. If the bolt and nut are missing, a new bolt, nut, and washer will be installed. Owner notification is expected to begin during september 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 international at 1-800-448-7825.
Contacts
Also, customers can 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 International dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V265000.
- 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.