Investigation SQ97014: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

May 10, 1997

Closed

May 13, 1997

Model years

—

Subject

Lower ball joint failure

Component: Steering

Summary

Moog purported that there was no defect in the subject ball joint assembly.mazda made a mid-year steering spindle change on certain vehicles.the new spindle designs accommodates a ball joint with a larger pinch bolt style stud.moog conducted lab test and concluded that even when the pinch bolts are torqued at double the torque value the ball joint assembly fell freely from the spindle assembly.the two coplaints were from technicians who contacted moogs' tech-line to inform them of this discovery.furthermore, due to the differences in the diameter ( the stud being 2mm smaller then the spindle orfice) the fit would be too loose for final assembly.additional testing was conducted by moog and at no time did the spindle clamp the ball joint stud.a safety defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does ot appear warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exits.the agency reserves the right to take further action when appropriate.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.