The problem
Gulf stream is recalling 38 my 2005, 2008 and 2009 friendship, scenic cruiser, and tourmaster recreational vehicles equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears. These steering gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.
The risk
The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Gulf stream is working with daimler trucks to have the steering gear replace (please see 07v343). Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1-800-547-0712 or gulf stream at 1-574-773-7761.
Contacts
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 Gulf Stream dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 08V418000.
- 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.