3/8/2011 2:24:00 AM
NEWS BRIEFS
Solvent Paint Caused Fastener Torque Issues in Recalled Jeeps
Potential drivetrain issues forced Chrysler to recall 20,459 Jeep Wranglers of the model years 2010 and 2011. The problem reportedly involves malfunctioning front and rear axle fasteners.
The affected units have improperly torqued fasteners which could degrade and cause them to get loosened. The NHTSA says that the result could be unwelcome noise and gradually, degradation in steering and handling characteristics – thus leading to a loss of control and escalating the possibility of an accident.
Chrysler says that the units assembled between July 12, 2010 and September 10, 2010 may be may be affected with this issue.
The error was first noticed by Chrysler workers at its assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, who caught a “variability in the steering wheel centering process”. The subsequent investigation revealed loose fasteners at 19 locations on the front and rear axles.
The automaker traced the problem to a manually applied solvent paint used in place of the usual automated water-based paint on the axles by its axle supplier Dana Corp., with the difference in the paint thickness and drips and runs causing the fault.
The Wranglers will have all the nineteen fasteners re-torqued to the maximum residual torque values. ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
Related Stories:
• Acument’s North American Technical and Processing Center Comes Online
Share: