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Old 02-28-2011, 04:15 PM   #1
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Location: Rolling Hills, Mammoth Mountain, Coeur d Alene Idaho
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Steering arm ready to fall off at 24000 miles

After experiencing my own case of major steering slop I discovered 2 of the 4 grade 8 bolts sheared off and 2 very loose. Not certain of the terminology I believe it was the point where the steering arm is connected to the knuckle. Anyway after the crappy front end shop didn't figure it out we crawled underneath and saw what I guess was not my day to die. Here is a pic after repair looking straight down from the wheel well. $450 later plus 2 new OME shocks and it feels like a new front end. Nothing covered under warranty. I think these bolts had been loose since new (April 2008) you might want to give yours a looky too.


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Old 02-28-2011, 05:06 PM   #2
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Re: Steering arm ready to fall off at 24000 miles

It looks like a 4wd van?

If so, I'd call the people that did the conversion and have a serious conversation. That should never happen.

Mike
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Old 02-28-2011, 05:42 PM   #3
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Re: Steering arm ready to fall off at 24000 miles

Oh yes a full on Sportsmobile built at the factory in Fresno picked up April 2008. Here's a little pic from Mammoth last weekend. The factory declined coverage on the shocks because the OEM warranty is only 2 years . I advised them of the broken bolts but never heard back. I didn't really push it and anyway I needed it fixed pronto. I consider myself extremely fortunate to not be just another statistic on HWY 395. BTW I have never off roaded the van or abused it in any fashion that is probably most common on these.

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Old 02-28-2011, 07:47 PM   #4
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Re: Steering arm ready to fall off at 24000 miles

Thanks for posting.

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Old 03-01-2011, 10:03 AM   #5
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Re: Steering arm ready to fall off at 24000 miles

Very strange, VERY scary !!!! I just checked mine. 55,000 miles with lots of abuse and they are all tight. Thanks for the heads up though. This is the kind of thing everyone should check afore driving their rig again. Another (as if one is needed) reason this forum is great.
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Old 03-08-2011, 08:34 AM   #6
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Re: Steering arm ready to fall off at 24000 miles

Common problem on any rig with on those arms. Torque spec: Use red lock tight and make those grade 8 bolts as tight as you can make them.
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