1998 Intrigue steering rack recall

Hey Panzer - I had someone PM me about buying a 1998 Intrigue with a steering rack noise. I advised about the steering shaft kit, but was wondering if you would be willing to post the TSB regarding the problems and recall involved with the 1998 steering rack - thanks!

My alldatadiy is only good for 2000. So I needed to goto the http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm and do the search. I would contact GM about the VIN and see if the work was done. Also note: only the original owner is usually notified of recalls, I bought my car from a GM dealer used and have never been notified of any recalls.


Make : OLDSMOBILE
Model : INTRIGUEYear : 1998Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V527000 Mfg's Report Date : DEC 11, 2003Component: STEERING:RACK AND PINIONPotential Number Of Units Affected : 750283Summary:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/images/spacer.gif CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE. Consequence:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/images/spacer.gif 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:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/images/spacer.gif 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 ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668. Notes:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/images/spacer.gif GM RECALL NO. 03062. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

So what you have given me above is for USA cars only is this correct?I live in canada and have been told by olds(canada)that no recall exists for a 1998 intrigue steering rack.any thoughts?
If this is a saftey issue then it should be no difference where we live.the problem still shows in canada as well as USA