Link: connectionRecall 96V-081 · Spartan vehicles
SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. recall 96V-081 covers 604 Spartan vehicles for a link: connection problem, reported to NHTSA on May 17, 1996.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V081000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE DRAGLINKS HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-TILT SEAL ON THE PITMAN END THAT CAN AFFECT THE TAPER FIT OF THE BALL STUD TAPER INTO THE PITMAN ARM. THE RECOMMENDED TORQUE ON THE STUD NUT DOES NOT OVERCOME THE COMPRESSION OF THE ANTI-TILT SEAL.
The risk
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOOSENING OF THE JOINT AND ULTIMATE SEPARATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE WASHERS WITH 90 DEGREE FLANGES WITH WASHERS HAVING A 45 DEGREE FLANGE AND SANDWICH THE RUBBER BUSHING IN THE ANTI-TILT SEAL. THE FLANGES ALLOW THE BUSHING TO PROPERLY EXPAND. IF A BODY HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON THE CHASSIS, THE PITMAN ARM WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
SYSTEM: STEERING; LINKAGES; LINK; DRAG. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TYPE A MOTORHOMES WITH GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GVWR) FROM 19,000 TO 36,000 LBS. AND TRANSIT BUS CHASSIS OR SPECIALITY TRUCKS WITH GVWR FROM 18,000 TO 36,000 LBS. EQUIPPED WITH TRW DRAGLINK ASSEMBLY. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 10, 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT SPARTAN AT 1-800-722-3025. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
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 January 1, 1996 to May 1, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.