CAMPAIGN:TIE ROD PINCH BOLT INADEQUATE LOAD ON T/R ADJ.
MODELS AFFECTED: Oldsmobile Calais, Pontiac Grand-AM, Buick Somerset Regal
TO ALL AFFECTED DEALERS:
DEFECT
General Motors of Canada has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some early production 1985 Oldsmobile Calais, Pontiac Grand-Am and Buick Somerset Regal models. The vehicles were assembled with inadequate clamp load on the tie rod adjuster. Tie rod separation could cause a loss of steering control which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
Involved are certain early production 1985 Oldsmobile Calais, Pontiac Grand-Am and Buick Somerset Regal models from the start of production through the following serial number:
OLDSMOBILE CALAIS
MODEL YEAR PLANT FROM THROUGH ----- ----- ---- ------- 1985 Lansing C SOP FC003329 Lansing M SOP FM201730
PONTIAC GRAND-AM
MODEL YEAR PLANT FROM THROUGH ----- ----- ---- ------- 1985 Lansing C SOP FC704699
BUICK SOMERSET REGAL
MODEL YEAR PLANT FROM THROUGH ----- ----- ---- ------- 1985 Lansing M SOP FM404180
All affected vehicles have been identified by the VIN listing provided to involved dealers with this bulletin. Any dealer not receiving a listing was not shipped any of the affected vehicles.
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY:
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your new or used vehicle inventory, or it is in your Dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.
Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the Dealer, and arrangements made to make the required modification according to instructions contained in this bulletin.
CAMPAIGN PROCEDURE:
Refer to Section 4 of the Service Policies and Procedures Manual for the detailed procedure on handling Product Campaigns.
Dealers are requested to complete the campaign on all transfers as soon as possible.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
All owners of record at the time of campaign release are shown on the attached computer listing and have been notified by first class mail from General Motors. The listings provided are for campaign activity only and should not be used for any other purpose.
PARTS INFORMATION:
NO PARTS REQUIRED.
PARTS AND LABOUR CIAIM INFORMATION:
Credit for the campaign work performed will be paid upon receipt of a properly completed campaign claim card or RAPID terminal transmission in accordance with the following:
Repair Code Operation Time Allowance ----------- --------- -------------- 2A Tighten Tie Rod .4 Pinch Bolts
Time allowance includes 0.1 hour for Dealer administrative detail associated with this campaign.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Use a torque wrench and & 13 mm socket with an extension to tighten the two (2) inner and two (2) outer tie rod pinch bolts to 55 N.m (41 lbs. ft.). Refer to Figure 1 for location of tie rod pinch bolts.
3. Lower hoist.
4. Install campaign Label.
5. Close Hood
INSTALLATTON OF CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL.
Clean surface of radiator upper mounting panel and apply a Campaign Identification Label. Make sure the correct campaign number is inserted on the label. This will indicate that the campaign has been completed.
Dear General Motors Customer:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
General Motors of Canada has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some early production, 1985 Oldsmobile Calais, Pontiac Grand-AM and Buick Somerset Regal models. The vehicles were assembled with inadequate clamp load in the adjuster. This could allow the tie rod to loosen and separate from the tie rod adjuster. Tie rod separation could cause a loss of steering control which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
To prevent this from occurring on your vehicle, please contact your GM Dealer to arrange a service date. The Dealer will tighten the tie rod end pinch bolts. This service will be completed for you at no charge.
The labour time to do the work will be about 20 minutes. Please ask your Dealer if you wish to know how much additional time will be necessary to process your vehicle.
This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your Dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.
Further assistance, if required, may be obtained from the General Motors Zone Office nearest you. Your vehicle Owner's Manual provides the location and phone number of each respective Zone Office.
In the event the address shown on this letter is inaccurate or the vehicle has been sold, kindly ensure that your General Motors dealer is aware of the change.
We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken the action in the interest of your continued satisfaction with our products. Your prompt cooperation would be appreciated.
Technical Services Department General Motors of Canada Limited
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
