NHTSA Recall 77V218000
Filed by Ford Motor Company. Component: Steering. Reported 1977-12-14. An estimated 40,000 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE MANUAL STEERING GEARS MAY CONTAIN STEERING GEAR RECIRCULATORY BALLS THAT COULD FRACTURE. THIS FRACTURING IS A RESULT OF IMPROPER HEAT-TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
What the manufacturer will do
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BALL BEARINGS OF THE STEERING GEAR, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING GEAR RECIRCULATORY BALLS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNDER CONTINUED OPERATION, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR.NOTE: INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN AUDIBLE POPPING ORGRINDING NOISE AND MOMENTARY STEERING HANG-UP. IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS AREEXPERIENCED, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED.