Recall - Steering Gear Bolt Torque Inspection: Overview
File In Section: Product RecallsBulletin No.: 02009
Date: March, 2002
PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:
02009 - LOOSE STEERING GEAR TO CRADLE JOINTS
MODELS:
2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE/SEVILLE AND BUICK LESABRE
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2002 Cadillac DeVille/Seville and Buick LeSabre model vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have missing or under-torqued steering gear attachment bolts. If a bolt is missing, the driver may notice uneven steering response or unusual noises during turns. If the left bolt is missing and the right mounting strap fails, steering control is lost and a vehicle crash can result.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect vehicles for the presence and proper torque of both steering gear attaching bolts.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain 2002 Cadillac DeVille/Seville and Buick LeSabre model vehicles built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
IMPORTANT:
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) before beginning recall repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the recall bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this recall. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the recall bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
PARTS INFORMATION
No parts listing
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist.
2. Remove the right front stabilizer bar link bolt from the lower control arm and remove the link.
3. Remove the left front stabilizer bar link bolt from the lower control arm and remove the link.
4. Rotate the stabilizer bar as necessary to access the two bolts that attach the steering rack and pinion assembly to the front cradle brackets.
5. Verify that both the left and right rack and pinion assembly attaching bolts are in place.
^ If the right bolt is missing, install a new bolt and proceed to step 6.
^ If the left bolt is missing, inspect the RIGHT side of the rack and pinion housing for cracks in the bracket or strap that attaches the housing to the cradle. If cracks have developed in the bracket they would typically start at the end of the weld that attaches the bracket to the housing. If cracks are found in the bracket or if the bracket or strap is bent, replace the complete rack and pinion assembly.
6. Using a 18 mm socket and torque wrench, verify that the two rack and pinion attaching bolts are tightened to 95 N.m (70 lb.ft.).
7. Rotate the stabilizer bar back to its original position.
8. Position the left side stabilizer link between the lower control arm and the stabilizer bar and loosely install the bolt. Do not tighten the bolt until instructed to.
9. Position the right side stabilizer link between the lower control arm and the stabilizer bar and install the bolt, Tighten the bolt to 17 N.m (13 lb.ft.).
10. Tighten the left side stabilizer link bolt to 17 N.m (13 lb.ft.).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Open the hood and install the GM Recall Identification Label.
RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Recall Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Recall Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials by calling 1-866-700-0001 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST). Ask for Item Number S-1015 when ordering.
CLAIM INFORMATION
Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information as shown.
COURTESY TRANSPORTATION
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Customers will be notified of this recall on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable time, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable time.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY - ALL
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers, a copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
DISCLAIMER