Interpretation ID: nht90-4.61

TYPE: Interpretation-NHTSA

DATE: November 14, 1990

FROM: Jeffrey S. Malinowski -- Small Business Center

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 2-1-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Jeffrey S. Malinowski (A37; VSA 108(a)(2)(A))

TEXT:

This letter is a request for information in regards to an inventor who has designed a tie rod "safety bracket." He needs to know if it would have to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations.

I am a private consultant employed with the Small Business Center, located in Port Huron, Michigan. I was informed by Mr. Carl Clark from the Department of Transportation that you would be the person to contact for this information.

Product Feature Benefits and Advantages:

This new product is composed of five sub-parts that once installed will require no maintenance and will virtually last the life of the vehicle.

The Product is:

1. Simple in design requiring less than three minutes to install. The bracket can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer.

2. Universal in application, probably requiring less than six different part numbers to fit all the vehicles currently making up the new and used vehicle market.

The Product will:

1. Reduce tie rod end wear by up to 300%, thereby extending the tie rod end life by up to three times its normal life expectancy.

2. Increase safety by eliminating any possible tie rod seperation due to excessive wear.

3. Improve steering by giving the vehicle a tighter response and feel.

We will be waiting for your reply to confirm our belief that the tie rod "safety bracket" does not have to adhere to the Code of Federal Regulations.

Attachment

Diagrams and accompanying text regarding Tie Rod Safety Brackets (for the outer and inner tie rod ends). Invented by Leo McCallum. (Text and graphics omitted)