Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Recall 08V-017 · 2004–2005 Damon Escaper
DAMON CORPORATION recall 08V-017 covers 73 2004–2005 Damon Escaper for a steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) problem, reported to NHTSA on January 11, 2008.
Source: NHTSA recall 08V017000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE 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
DAMON IS WORKING WITH FREIGHTLINER AND ZF TO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR (PLEASE SEE 07V343 AND 07E049). OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR DAMON AT 937-596-6849.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from April 29, 2003 to November 16, 2004. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.