Lower control arm failure

An NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation into GMC vehicles. Closed 6 November 1987.

Investigation
PE87056
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
8 September 1987
Closed
6 November 1987

What NHTSA investigated

Summary of information from manufacturer:manufacturer is in receipt ofone complaint and five field reports.product report analysis states thelower control arm from waggoner corporation appears to have a small radiusat the transition of the side wall to the ball stud nose.current stampingsource, s.k.d., also has a small radius in the same area.s.k.d. Haschanged the trim to increase the radius to 1 inch and provide additionalstrength in the ball stud area.analysis:data indicates 38 of 40 failures involve the left control ARM,39 of the vehicles are powered by the diesel engine.all failures haveoccurred at low speeds, or have been located during increased frequencymaintenance inspections.separation of the ball joint from the controlarm could cause one side of the front wheel suspension to collapse,possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.proposed action:upgrade this pe to an ea.===

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
ChevroletC301984–1987
ChevroletG301984–1987
ChevroletK301984–1987
ChevroletP301984–1987
GMCC35001984–1987
GMCG301984–1987
GMCK301984–1987
GMCK35001984–1987
GMCP301984–1987
GMCP35001984–1987

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.