Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Recall 77V-218 · Ford and Mercury vehicles
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 77V-218 covers 40,000 Ford and Mercury vehicles for a steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) problem, reported to NHTSA on December 14, 1977.
Source: NHTSA recall 77V218000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE MANUAL STEERING GEARS MAY CONTAIN STEERING GEAR RECIRCULATORY BALLS THAT COULD FRACTURE. THIS FRACTURING IS A RESULT OF IMPROPER HEAT-TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
The fix
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BALL BEARINGS OF THE STEERING GEAR, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING GEAR RECIRCULATORY BALLS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNDER CONTINUED OPERATION, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR.NOTE: INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN AUDIBLE POPPING ORGRINDING NOISE AND MOMENTARY STEERING HANG-UP. IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS AREEXPERIENCED, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.