| Subject: | Ball joint separation |
| Components covered: |
|
| Investigations Summary: |
This investigation was opened on Nov. 26, 2002.
It was closed on Feb. 10, 2003.
Note: this investigation has resulted in
a vehicle safety recall. Odi has received complaints that the subject vehicles have had one or both of their lower ball joints separate and cause the front of the vehicle to drop to the ground. Daimler chryslerâ¿s assessment of the ball joint failures is that the joint failure may be precipitated by the loss of joint lubrication. The loss of lubrication could result in accelerated wear and possible joint separation. Daimler Chrysler believes that the loss of joint lubrication is the result of leaks or tears in the rubber boot that protects the ball joint. These leaks or tears could be caused by contact with other internal parts of the ball joint or torsional loading that twists the boot. By letter dated February 4, 2003, the manufacturer advised this agency of its decision to initiate a safety recall campaign for all of the 11,698 subject vehicles built from January, 1997 to March, 2001 to correct the defect identified in this ea (copy attached). The action is identified by NHTSA as recall no. 03v-034. |
| Vehicles Affected by this investigation: |
|
Defect investigation of power steering fluid fires
Defect investigation of engine compartment fires
Defect investigation of driver air bag clockspring failure