International · Canada · High
International 5000, 4000 +3 more: Steering
Affects International 5000, 4000, 8000, 9000, 2000 · 1999–2000 — about 2K vehicles.
The hazard
Certain heavy duty trucks equipped with axle assemblies which may have been manufactured with ArvinMeritor 12,000lb, 13,200lb axles, and Dana 9,000 front drive axles built with TRW 20-EDL ball sockets/drags links. The tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below specification case depth and/or hardness which can lead to premature wear out of the socket in some applications. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the drag link assemblies.
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