Item Affected: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Date Announced: 06/27/1994
Description of Recall: THE STEERING GEARS HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SNAP RING GROOVE. THIS CAN CAUSE A FRACTURE OF THE SNAP RING WITH SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE RECIRCULATING BALL GUIDE TUBE. ALSO, THE O-RING SEAL IN VEHICLES BUILT AFTER FEBRUARY 1988 DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND IS INADEQUATE, CAUSING INTERIOR LEAKAGE AROUND THE O-RING / GLIDE RING SEAL IN THE STEERING GEAR.
Conequence: THE FRACTURE OF THE SNAP RING RESULTS IN INCREASING DETERIORATION OF THE ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS OR A "CRUNCHY" FEELING AT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE INADEQUATE O-RING SEAL CAUSES MOMENTARY REDUCTIONS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST AT LOW SPEED AND CERTAIN LEFT TURN MANEUVERS. BOTH CONDITIONS RESULT IN DECREASED STEERING ABILITY.
Action Need To Fix It: DEALERS WILL REBUILD THE STEERING GEAR. IF A BROKEN SNAP RING IS FOUND DURING REBUILDING, THE STEERING GEAR WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REMANUFACTURED UNIT.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING: GEAR: RACK AND PINION. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREEOF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE FORD SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.