EI06002 - 670 Gear Box Power Steering Pump, P/S Performance Concerns

This bulletin is being revised to add model years and models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-02-32-008A (Section 02 -- Steering).

Some customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. A lack of steering assist could occur if the brakes are applied and turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. This condition will go away or greatly improve once vehicle begins to move or is above parking lot speeds. This concern can be aggravated by worn tires, low tire air pressure, low power steering pump pressures, and tires larger than stock size.

Important: In all cases, it is recommended that the proper tire size and the maximum tire pressure is set according to the manufacturer’s specification as noted on the door placard; especially for the front tires.

1. Perform the "Power Steering System Test" found in SI. Make any necessary repairs based on system diagnosis.

1.1.	FOR 2500 AND 3500 VEHICLES ONLY - If diagnostics did not lead to any repair, this concern is a normal operating characteristic. No further repairs should be made. A Field Product Report should be submitted - refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-89-002D.

1.2.	FOR 1500 SERIES VEHICLES ONLY - If diagnostics did not lead to any repair, this concern is a normal operating characteristic.

2. If the vehicle is equipped with a 670 gear box, replacing it with a 680 gear box may increase the customer satisfaction.
3. To determine if the vehicle is equipped with a 670 gear box, inspect the mounting bolts that attach the stub shaft housing. A 670 gear box will only have 3 mounting bolts. If the stub shaft housing does not have any mounting bolts or has 4 bolts - DO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS BULLETIN. The vehicle is not equipped with a 670 gear box.
4. If replacing a 670 gear box with a 680 gear box, it will be necessary to replace the power steering gear, union fitting and both inlet O-ring seals.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, choose the one labor operation that reflects the corrective action: