2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 2000 GMC Sierra 3500 Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CHASSIS CABS

The defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CHASSIS CABS. THE TAPERED HOLE IN THE DRAG LINK END THAT ATTACHES TO THE PITMAN ARM TAPERED BALL STUD MAY BE MACHINED TOO DEEP CAUSING THE HOLE TO BE OVERSIZED. A DRAG LINK WITH AN OVERSIZED HOLE MAY NOT "SEAT" THE PITMAN ARM TAPERED BALL WHEN ASSEMBLED. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGHER THAN NORMAL FRICTION BETWEEN COMPONENTS DURING OPERATION, AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN JOINT SEPARATION OR A BROKEN BALL STUD.

The risk

IF THE JOINT SEPARATED OR THE BALL STUD BRAKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING, STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE LOST.

The fix — what to do

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE ASSEMBLY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRAG LINK AND THE PITMAN ARM.

GM RECALL NO. 00008.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).