Recall - Steering Gear Crossmember Reinforcement: Overview
May 2002Safety Recall No. 999
Steering Gear Crossmember Reinforcement
Models
1999-2000 (SR) Dodge Viper (Coupe and Roadster)
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above vehicles built from March 1, 1999 through October 2, 2000 (MDH 030111 through MDH 1002XX).
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory.
Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery.
Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.
Subject
Aggressive driving, such as racing, on about 2,200 of the above vehicles, may lead to cracking and separation of the steering gear crossmember from the frame. This can cause unexpected steering looseness and lag which could result in an accident without warning.
Repair
The steering gear crossmember must be inspected for cracks. Vehicles with a cracked steering gear crossmember must have the crossmember replaced. All involved vehicles must have frame gussets and a steering gear crossmember reinforcement bracket installed.
Parts Information
A. Steering Gear Crossmember Reinforcement Package
NOTE:
Steering gear crossmember reinforcement package CAAM9981 is required to repair each vehicle. An additional parts package, listed below, may be required. This depends on what conditions may be found on a particular vehicle.
Part Number Description
CAAM9981 Steering Gear Crossmember Reinforcement Package
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Steering Gear Crossmember Reinforcement
1 Right Side Frame Rail Gusset
1 Left Side Frame Rail Gusset
24 Structural Steel Rivets
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough of each reinforcement package to service about 10% of those vehicles.
B. Steering Gear Crossmember Assembly
Part Number Description
CAAM9983 Steering Gear Crossmember Assembly
C. Corrosion Protection
Part Number Description
CAAM9987 Zinc Rich Primer (quart can)
NOTE:
One can of zinc rich primer will repair approximately 20 vehicles.
Part Number Description
CAAM9988 Black Spray Paint
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive ONE (1) can of zinc rich primer and black spray paint. Additional primer and paint may be ordered as required.
D. Vehicle Curb Height Adjustment Shims
Part Number Description
04709321 Spring Seat Shim, Increase Height
04763943 Spring Seat, Reduced Height
SPECIAL TOOLS
A special air/hydraulic power set riveter tool is required for the installation of the structural rivets.
ALL Chrysler and Dodge dealers previously received ONE (1) W-AK175ACH Power Set Riveter, free of charge, through Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) in December 1998.
Additional power riveters may be ordered through Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) at dealer cost by calling 1-800-223-5623 or faxing 1-800-734-4334.
Additional power riveters are NOT reimbursable by DaimlerChrysler.
The following existing special tools may be required to perform this recall:
^ # 6632 Adapter, Torque Wrench
^ W-AK175ACH Riveter, Air/Hydraulic Powered
^ GP-2020-C3.5 Compressor, Coil Spring
^ AP5357B or JHW-0-472 Wrench, Spanner
^ # 6914 Height Gages, Suspension
^ # 8396-1 Adapter, Height Gage
^ # 6990 Essential Tool Kit, Viper
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use the labor operation number and the related operation as necessary. The related operation must be included in the same condition as the primary repair labor operation.
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not Required.
Dealer Notification and Vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future. Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced will receive a list of their involved vehicles.
The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "0RD999".
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner letter is included.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form. The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation