AFFINIA GROUP RECALLS AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS.

Make / Models : Model/Build Years: AC DELCO / 45A0871 9999 AC DELCO / 45A3073 9999 CONTROL CHASSIS / DS1456 9999 DODGE / 2500 1998-1999 DODGE / 3500 1998-1999 MCQUAY NORRIS / DS1456 9999 MCQUAY NORRIS / ES3496 9999 MCQUAY NORRIS / ES3496E 9999 NAPA / 269-3208 9999 NAPA / 269-6095 9999 SPICER CHASSIS / 401-1073 9999 SPICER CHASSIS / 401-1871 9999 Manufacturer : AFFINIA GROUP, INC. Mfr's Report Date : MAR 24, 2008 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08E027000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 5700

Summary: AFFINIA IS RECALLING 5,700 AFTERMARKET CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 28, 2006 THROUGH MARCH 17, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 1998 AND 1999 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE DUST SEAL SUPPLIED WITH THE CHASSIS TIE RODS WERE MANUFACTURED TO THE WRONG SPECIFICATION. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE DUST SEAL MAY PREVENT THE BALL STUD OF THE CHASSIS TIE ROD FROM PROPERLY SEATING INTO THE TAPER OF THE VEHICLE STEERING KNUCKLE DURING AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION.

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, THE BOLT CAN EVENTUALLY UNSEAT COMPLETELY, CAUSING THE AFFECTED WHEEL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy: AFFINIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CHASSIS TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA AT 734-827-5400.

Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BRAKE PARTS CHASSIS TIE RODS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED BY CHRYSLER, LLC. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

tag: NHTSA Recall, Auto Parts Recall, AFFINIA RECALL, DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS