SPARTAN ALPINE 1996: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 96V081000

Make Model Year
SPARTAN ALPINE 1996
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
1996-05-06 1996-05-17 1996-05-22

Production Dates: 1996-01-01 - 1996-05-01

Manufacturers Involved: Shyft Group

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 604

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Summary

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOOSENING OF THE JOINT AND ULTIMATE SEPARATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING.

Remedy

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.

Notes

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.