The official notice
Defect
THE STEERING GEARS HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SNAP RING GROOVE. THIS CAN CAUSE A FRACTURE OF THE SNAP RING WITH SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE RECIRCULATING BALL GUIDE TUBE. ALSO, THE O-RING SEAL IN VEHICLES BUILT AFTER FEBRUARY 1988 DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND IS INADEQUATE, CAUSING INTERIOR LEAKAGE AROUND THE O-RING / GLIDE RING SEAL IN THE STEERING GEAR.
Safety Risk
THE FRACTURE OF THE SNAP RING RESULTS IN INCREASING DETERIORATION OF THE ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS OR A "CRUNCHY" FEELING AT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE INADEQUATE O-RING SEAL CAUSES MOMENTARY REDUCTIONS IN POWER STEERING ASSIST AT LOW SPEED AND CERTAIN LEFT TURN MANEUVERS. BOTH CONDITIONS RESULT IN DECREASED STEERING ABILITY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REBUILD THE STEERING GEAR. IF A BROKEN SNAP RING IS FOUND DURING REBUILDING, THE STEERING GEAR WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REMANUFACTURED UNIT.