Defect
On certain vehicles, the steering gear housing cover screw may have been manufactured out of specification and the axial tension between the screw and gear housing may deteriorate over time. This could allow the screw to gradually loosen, which will cause the steering wheel to exhibit noticeable looseness from the steering assembly. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, the screw may eventually come out of the steering gear housing. If large steering inputs are made with the cover screw missing, the pinion shaft may come out of the steering gear. This may result in a loss of steering control, which could lead to a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death.
Safety Risk
No risk description available.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect whether the steering gear cover screw is loose. If it is loose, it will be retightened to the proper specification. In addition, the dealer will install a cover plate to prevent the screw from possibly coming out of the steering gear.