Ford’s TSB (listed as Safety Recall 09S07) involves locating and identifying the front wheel spindle batch installed on certain 2009 model year Ranger 4x2 vehicles. The batch code and date code should be located on the inboard side of each front wheel spindle.
Make sure that the steering column is unlocked so that the front wheels will have side-to-side movement. Move the front wheels slowly to avoid aeration in the power steering system. With the vehicle in neutral and on a hoist, turn the front wheels so that a clear visual inspection of the inner spindle area can be performed on both the RH and LH front wheel spindles. Using a flashlight, inspect the front wheel spindle batch and date code. The heavier-stamped (bolder) characters indicate the batch code. The lighter (smaller) seven character/ number indicates the date code.
If the batch code is “VB,” replace the front wheel spindle. If the batch code is “TR” and the third character of the date code is “2,” replace the spindle. If the batch code is “TR” and the third character of the date code is unreadable (for instance, if the date code was stamped over the batch code and can’t be read), replace the spindle.
The third character of a TR spindle will either be a 1 or a 2. Spindles marked “TR1” do not need to be replaced. Spindles with a batch code other than “VB” or “TR” do not need to be replaced.
If the spindle date code is not clear or visible on a TR spindle, fill the character stamping with a white or yellow touch-up paint to improve visibility. Apply a layer of paint over the date code, then remove excess paint with your finger (do not use a shop towel, as this will remove too much paint).
Refer to the appropriate shop manual for spindle replacement procedures. After replacement, check and correct wheel alignment (front toe angle). The spindle replacement should not affect camber or caster angles.
Replace the spindle if the batch code is VB, if the batch code is TR and the third character of the date code is 2, or if the batch code is TR and the date code cannot be read.
If the batch and date codes are difficult to read, try applying white or yellow paint to improve visibility. If the third character of the date code is still unreadable, replace the spindle.
