[FONT="]NHTSA #: [/FONT][FONT="]16337[/FONT][FONT="] Make: FORD Model: F450 SUPERDUTY Model Year: 2005 MFG Campaign #: 05S30 Description: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN Manufacturer that filed defect/noncompliance report: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Begin Date of MFG: 3/9/2005 End Date of MFG: 3/14/2005 Vehicle, Equipment, or Tire report: V Number of units affected: 481 Date owner notified by MFG: 4/6/2005 Recall Initiator: MFR MFG's of Recalled Vehicles/Products: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN CHASSIS CAB TRUCKS, THE STEERING GEAR MAY HAVE SOME GEARS WITH A GEAR PISTON THAT WAS ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT RE-CIRCULATING BALL TUBE RETAINER. AN INCORRECT RETAINER MAY RESULT IN AN IMPROPERLY RETAINED RE-CIRCULATING BALL TUBE, WHICH MAY NOT KEEP THE RE-CIRCULATING BALLS IN PLACE DURING STEERING GEAR ACTUATION. Consequence Summary: IF THE RE-CIRCULATING BALLS BECOME DISLODGED A VEHICLE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE NOISE AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS THAT MAY EVENTUALLY PROGRESS TO IMPAIRED STEERING OR POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR FOR A SPECIFIC DATE CODE AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AT 1-800-392-3673. [/FONT] [FONT="] Recall Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 05S30 CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).[/FONT]
