DaimlerChrysler Japan Recalls Minivans

DaimlerChrysler Japan Co. (a division of DaimlerChrysler, Germany) is recalling 3,579 minivans to fix weak or defective outer CV joint bearings on both sides of the front drive shafts. The front drive shafts, each with an inner and outer CV joint, drive the vehicle by connecting the transaxle to the wheels.

All of the minivans are Japan-market units -- Voyager and Grand Voyager.

The report filed with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, indicated the vehicles were built over a five-year span, between April 2001 and March 2006.

In each case, the outer CV joint bearings are weak and/or defective and the cages can fracture if the driver often moves the steering wheel when the van is stopped. The force on the joints when the vehicle is not moving are significantly higher than when the tire is rolling and the joint is turning.

Outer joints with fractured cages can fail with the shaft separating from the wheel, or become dislocated and cause excessive vibration or violently jerk the steering wheel.

DaimlerChrysler Japan said in the recall it will replace both front axle shafts with ones equipped with stronger, improved CV joints.

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