NHTSA Recall 91V126000
Filed by Ford Motor Company. Component: Steering. Reported 1991-07-16. An estimated 3,000 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
BECAUSE OF A MACHINING INCONSISTENCY, THERE IS A HIGH PISTON-TO-BALL CONTACT ANGLE IN THE STEERING GEAR WORM DRIVE. THIS CONTACT CAUSES THE BALLS TO TRY TO ROTATE ON TWO DIFFERENT ROLLING RADII AT TWO DIFFERENT SPEEDS, CAUSING THE BALL TO DAMAGE THE CONTACT SURFACES OF THE PISTON AND SPINDLE DURING STATIC OR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS INVOKING FULL OR NEAR FULL TURNS.
Risk
STEERING ABILITY DETERIORATES AND EVENTUALLY STEERINGLOCKUP OCCURS DURING THESE LOW SPEED MANEUVERS RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
What the manufacturer will do
REPLACE BENDIX C300N STEERING GEARS WITH NEW GEARS.
Notes
SYSTEM: STEERING, GEAR BOX.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS WITH BENDIX C300N STEERING GEARS.NOTE: FOR BUS APPLICABILITY CALL FORD'S TOLL-FREE NUMBER (1-800-392-3673) ANDPROVIDE VIN.