Campaign - Rear Axle U-Bolt Fracture: Overview

6D03
GM CANADA

Issued: 06/01/96

CAMPAIGN: REAR AXLE U-BOLT FRACTURE

SUBJECT:
REAR AXLE U-BOLT FRACTURE

Models:
1996 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo Vans with 7,700 # or greater GVW

TO: ALL GENERAL MOTORS DEALERS

General Motors of Canada Limited has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in CERTAIN 1996 Chevrolet and GMC G Vans having a 7,700 # or greater GVW. These vehicles may exhibit breakage of one of the four rear-axle U-bolts. When one of the U-bolts breaks and becomes ineffective, the other U-bolt on that side also becomes ineffective and the joint is no longer capable of correctly transmitting forces from the axle to the spring. The potential exists for the spring to lift from the axle under certain rebound and braking, or cornering maneuvers, and then the rear axle would be free to provide steering inputs to the vehicle. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.

To correct this condition, dealers are to replace the four rear axle U-bolts on the suspect vehicles.