International 1854, 1954 +1 more: Steering

Affects International 1854, 1954, 1824 · 1978–1987 — about 188 vehicles.

The hazard

VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A STEERING GEAR THAT HAD NO END-OF-TRAVEL RELIEF. BECAUSE OF THIS, ADDED LOADS ARE PLACED ON THE AXLE STEERING ARM IN EXTREME LEFT AND RIGHT HAND TURNS WHEN THE KNUCKLE IS CONTACTING THE AXLE STOPS AND THE STEERING GEAR IS STILL APPLYING FORCE BECAUSE OF THE NO END-OF-TRAVEL RELIEF FEATURE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE ARM TO LOOSEN AND SHEAR THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING STUDS RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: A NEW PITMAN ARM STOP WITH NEW STUDS, DOWELS AND NUTS WILL BE INSTALLED.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational