I recently had to have the rack and pinion replaced on my 96 Sunfire and I did not know about the recall on the rack and pinion until someone on this board told me. My mechanic told me that the end seals on the rack and pinion were leaking causing the rack and pinion to fail. I already had the repair done. My question is can I get reimbursed for this repair due to the recall??
You should be able to, provided your vehicle is one that qualifies for the recall.
Best bet would be to
contact GM
If your car is in the lot that qualifies, and if fixed by an ASE tech, then yes, very good chance of being reimbursed. Don't expect anymore than a standard, nothing-went-wrong, on-time repair $$ amount. Last I knew, though, the recal was for the pinion bearing/bushing failure, not the end seals. Maybe something I don't know about the recall.
I have a 96 too. I wonder if I qualify?
Whoops, forgot to check reply. Sorry.
Here's the details on the recall (I pulled my car's year, since it was eligible):
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1997/12-aut/pontiac/sunfire/recalls/index.html
Quote:
Auto Recall Date: 11/04/2002
Vehicle Component: STEERING:RACK AND PINION
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 1159156
1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE Defect Summary:
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Defect Consequence:
IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Notes: GENERAL MOTORS CORP., 02049
Same recall info on 1996:
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1996/12-aut/pontiac/sunfire/recalls/index.html
