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LMI Ball Joints For Honda, Acura Recalled

• • LMI USA, Inc. • Models: LMI USA Ball Joints • Number Involved: 2,904 • Dates of Manufacture: December 2000 - April 2001 • Defect: Certain aftermarket replacement ball joints for steering or suspension systems on 1990-1993 Acura Integra, 1986-1989 Honda Accord, 1988-1991 Honda Civic and CRX, 1983-1991 Honda Prelude, Part No. 51220-SK7-013, and 1991-1995 Honda Legend passenger vehicles, Part No. 51220-SL5-003, with date codes Z OH and Y OH, have defective sealing boots. The material used in the manufacture of the sealing boot can deteriorate over time permitting foreign objects, such as water and dirt, to infiltrate the sealing boot and cause rust inside the ball joint housing, damage to the surface of the ball, or damage to the retaining ring. These effects in turn can cause misalignment of the ball joint within the housing, potentially causing it to fail. A ball joint failure could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Remedy: LMI will notify its distributors and customers to have the ball joints replaced free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that distributor/owner notification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners should contact LMI at 1-734-477-9700. • (NHTSA Recall No. 01E064)