Safari Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN X (2003)
Technical Service Bulletin # 03044A
Date: 040402
Recall - Steering Knuckle Interference
Product Safety - Steering Knuckle Interference # 03044A - (04/02/2004)
03044A -- Steering Knuckle Interference
2003 Chevrolet Astro
2003 GMC Safari
Rear-Wheel Drive
This bulletin is being revised to include U.S. and Export vehicles. The original bulletin was for Canadian vehicles only. The service procedure has also
been revised.
Condition
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2003 model year Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari
rear-wheel drive vans. Some of these vehicles have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boots and the steering knuckles that
may cut the boots that are intended to seal the ball joints. If the lower ball joint(s) were cut, contamination from the road (salt, dirt, water, etc.) could
enter the ball socket area of the ball joint, resulting in accelerated ball joint wear. Once the socket is worn to a size nearly the diameter of the ball, the
ball stud can separate from the socket. If the lower ball joint separated while the vehicle was moving, the affected corner of the vehicle would drop down
and the coil spring would push the control arm down into contact with the ground, causing the vehicle to slow down. The affected wheel assembly would
turn outward, also slowing the vehicle. Although the driver would have steering control of the unaffected wheel, maintaining directional control of the
vehicle could become difficult and a crash could occur.
Correction
Dealers are to modify the steering knuckles and replace the lower ball joints.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2003 model year Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari vehicles equipped with rear-wheel drive, and built within the VIN breakpoints
shown.
Important
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) before beginning recall repairs. [Not all vehicles within the
above breakpoints may be involved.]
For US
For dealers with involved vehicles, a Campaign Initiation Detail Report containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and
address data has been prepared and will be loaded to the GM DealerWorld, Recall Information website. The customer name and address data furnished
will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this program.
For Canada & IPC
Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data of involved vehicles have been prepared, and
are being furnished to involved dealers. The customer name and address data will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this recall. Any
dealer not receiving a computer listing with the recall bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle
registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report
to the follow-up necessary to complete this program.
Parts Information
