International 1954, 1853 +15 more: Steering

Affects International 1954, 1853, 1854, 1652SC, 1824, 1823, 1924, 1925, 1624, 1955, 1654, M1400, 1753, 1754, 1724, 1723, M1600 · 1978–1987 — about 17K vehicles.

The hazard

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAGINAW 710 POWER STEERING GEAR MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE SPLINES OF THE PITMAN SHAFT IN APPLICATIONS WHERE A HIGH NUMBER OF TURNS ARE ENCOUNTERED AGAINST THE AXLE STOPS. THESE CRACKS COULD DEVELOP INTO A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE PITMAN SHAFT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. CORRECTION: PITMAN SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW STRENGTHENED VERSION.

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