Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Recall 08V-418 · Gulf Stream vehicles

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.

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.