Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Recall 98V-242 · Chevrolet and GMC vehicles
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall 98V-242 covers 8,367 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles for a steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) problem, reported to NHTSA on October 6, 1998.
Source: NHTSA recall 98V242000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON ALL THREE OF THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME ATTACHMENT BOLTS. THE BOLTS CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME ALLOWING THE STEERING GEAR TO MOVE. THIS LOOSENING CAN RESULT IN SOME UNRESPONSIVE STEERING FEEL AND SOME NOISE TO THE DRIVER.
The risk
IF THIS CONDITION IS IGNORED, THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME CAN WEAR AND/OR FATIGUE THE ATTACHING BOLTS TO THE POINT OF BREAKAGE OR THE BOLTS BACKING OUT. IF ALL THE BOLTS BREAK OR BACK OUT, THE STEERING GEAR WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
The fix
DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME BOLTS TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 1998.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 CONTACTCHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
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 1, 1998 to August 31, 1998. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- STEERING GEAR/GRAME ATTACHING BOLTSNHTSA