Suzuki is recalling 46,549 2006 model year Grand Vitara and 2005-2006 XL-7 trucklets for a potentially defective hydraulic power assist steering pump. The NHTSA says that the defect involves a plastic tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the steering pump and A/C compressor.

Heat stress can apparently cause said plastic to deteriorate over time, which could lead to pieces of the pulley breaking off. The broken pieces can get lodged between the pulley and drive belt, possibly dislodging the belt and making it more difficult to steer.

Owners of affected vehicles can take their XL-7 or Grand Vitara to the nearest Suzuki dealer for a free repair, where the steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley will be replaced.

^[1]