Recall - Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joint Boots: Overview
July 1999SAFETY RECALL NO. 827
Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joint Boots
MODELS
1995-1996 (FJ) Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring Coupe and Eagle Talon
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through June 29, 1996 (MDH 0629XX).
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service as determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
SUBJECT
The front suspension ball joint boots on about 165,000 of the above vehicles may be cut or damaged, allowing dirt or water to enter the ball joint. This results in premature ball joint wear and can cause the ball joint to separate. Ball joint separation could result in a loss of steering control and cause an accident without prior warning.
REPAIR
The left and right lower lateral arm ball joint boots must be inspected for cuts or damage. If a ball joint boot is cut or damaged, the lower lateral arm assembly must be replaced.
ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION
If inspection determines that lower lateral arm replacement is required and the vehicle must be held overnight, dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description
MR325005 Lower Lateral Arm Package - Left
MR296296 Lower Lateral Arm Package - Right
Each package contains one lower lateral arm assembly and one ball joint retaining nut.
A small number of right and left lower lateral arm packages will be distributed to high volume dealers of involved vehicles. Additional packages may be ordered as required. Very few vehicles are expected to require lower lateral arm replacement.
COMPLETION REPORTING AND REIMBURSEMENT
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Inspect right and left lower lateral
arm ball joint boots. 02827181 0.2hours
Inspect right and left lower lateral
arm ball joint boots, replace one
lower lateral arm (right or left)
and set toe. 02827182 1.0 hours
Inspect right and left lower lateral
arm ball joint boots, replace both
lower lateral arms and set toe. 02827183 1.3 hours
Add the cost of the parts plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
PARTS RETURN
Initially, a small number of lower lateral arms are required to be returned to the Warranty Material Return Center. When an adequate number of returned parts have been accumulated, Parts Return Documents will no longer be generated and parts are to be discarded.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing and Material Return Sections, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
DEALER NOTIFICATION AND VEHICLE LIST
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a list of their involved vehicles. The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
DIAL SYSTEM FUNCTION 53 AND VIP
All involved vehicles will be entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP at the time of recall implementation for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "0RD827".
OWNER NOTIFICATION AND SERVICE SCHEDULING
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner notification letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner notification is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
VEHICLE NOT AVAILABLE
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.