Component
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
There's a problem with a part called the lower ball joint in your vehicle's suspension system. It has a protective boot that can get damaged, letting dirt and water in and causing it to wear out too quickly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the lower ball joint wears out too quickly, it could cause your vehicle to lose control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The steering knuckle could even separate from the control arm, making it harder to steer and brake safely.
Free Fix
Don't worry, this repair is free! Your dealership will replace the steering knuckles on your vehicle at no cost to you. You'll receive a notification starting April 8, 2004, and you can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463 to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN MINIVANS HAVE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE LOWER BALL JOINT RUBBER BOOT AND THE STEERING KNUCKLE (BOTH LEFT/RIGHT SIDES), WHICH COULD RESULT IN CUTTING OF THE BOOT THAT IS INTENDED TO SEAL THE BALL JOINT. IF THE LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT WERE CUT, CONTAMINATION FROM THE ROAD (SALT, DIRT, WATER, ETC.) COULD ENTER THE BALL SOCKET AREA OF THE BALL JOINT CAUSING THE JOINT TO WEAR OUT TOO QUICKLY.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE STEERING KNUCKLE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, DROPPING DOWN THE AFFECTED CORNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE COIL SPRING WOULD PUSH THE CONTROL ARM DOWN INTO CONTACT WITH THE GROUND, CREATING A DRAG THAT WOULD SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE AFFECTED WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE IF FORCES RESULTING FROM THE WHEEL'S DRAGGING ACTION WERE SUFFICIENT TO FRACTURE THE TIE ROD END AND UPPER BALL JOINT CONNECTIONS. SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY WOULD ALSO SEVER THAT WHEEL'S HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSE, RESULTING IN LOST BRAKING PERFORMANCE FROM THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM. VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE WOULD INCREASE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →