Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

The problem

THE END OF THE SWING LEVER SHAFT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES IS THREADED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECURING IT TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE AID OF A SPRING WASHER AND NUT ASSEMBLY. THE END OF THIS THREAD RUNS OUT INTO A CIRCULAR GROOVE. UNDER EXTREME STEERING FORCES APPLIED DURING LOW SPEED MANEUVERS, THE SHAFT COULD BREAK AT THE POINT OF THE CIRCULAR GROOVE.