The problem
On certain trucks, during assembly, the drag link attachment nuts at the pitman arm and steering arm may have been incorrectly torqued. Residual grease and paint which was applied as a rust inhibitor on the steering arm may have contributed to a loss of torque after assembly.
The risk
Increased wear for the draglink connections can occur creating a noticeable increase in the amount of steering wheel free play. If this condition was ignored, a loss of steering control of the vehicle could occur which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the steering arm tightness and remove all grease and paint from the steering arms and retorque the draglink attachment nuts at the steering arm and pitman arm. The recall began on may 12, 2006. Owners may contact hino at 1-248-648-6430.
Contacts
Hino recall no. M0050. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
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 Genie, Hino dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 06V169000.
- 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.