Recall - Front Damper Spring Corrosion
05-038April 23, 2013
Applies To:
2001-2002 MDX - Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
Safety Recall: Front Damper Spring Corrosion
(Supersedes 05-038, dated December 13, 2006, to revise the information marked by the black bars)
REVISION SUMMARY
Under PARTS INFORMATION, part numbers were added.
BACKGROUND
Some front suspension damper springs have insufficient corrosion protection. In areas where road salt* is used, these damper springs may be susceptible to corrosion. Over time, excessive corrosion can cause spring failure. In some cases, a broken spring could puncture a front tire, which increases the risk of a crash.
*Road salt is commonly used in an area known as the "salt belt." As shown in the shaded area of the map, the salt belt includes these states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C.
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
All owners of affected vehicles were sent a notification of this campaign in October 2005. An example of the client notification is at the end of this service bulletin.
Not all vehicles within the VIN ranges are affected.
Only those vehicles that were sold or currently registered in areas where road salt is used are affected by this campaign. To verify vehicle eligibility, you must check at least one of these items:
^ The client has a notification letter.
^ The vehicle is shown on your campaign responsibility report.
^ The vehicle is shown as eligible on a VIN status inquiry.
In addition to the bulleted verification items, check for a punch mark above the fourth character of the engine compartment VIN. A punch mark in that location means the vehicle has already been repaired.
Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your used vehicle inventory. According to federal law, these vehicles cannot be sold or leased until they are repaired. To see if a vehicle is affected by this campaign, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the front damper springs.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation Number: 414121
Flat Rate Time: 2.4 hours
Failed Part: P/N 51401-53V-A03
Defect Code: 5B400
Symptom Code: P9200
Template ID: 05-038A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE:
Front damper replacement is not included in this campaign. But, as a convenience to your clients, let them know you can replace the dampers, along with the damper springs, for just the cost of the new dampers (no labor charge).
1. Replace the front suspension damper springs:
^ Refer to page 18-17 of the 2001-02 MDX Service Manual, or
^ Online, enter keyword DAMPER and select Front Damper/Spring Replacement from the list.
NOTE:
If you break either front stabilizer link while replacing the springs, replace both links (use P/N 06513-SOX-999, Front Stabilizer Link Kit).
2. Center-punch a completion mark above the fourth character of the engine compartment VIN.