NHTSA Recall 81V001000
Filed by FREIGHTLINER LLC. Component: Steering. Reported 1981-12-02. An estimated 104 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
AN AIR BRAKE HOSE FITTING BENEATH THE FLOOR OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY RUB AGAINST THE ROTATING STEERING DRIVE SHAFT, EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE SHAFT TO FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION COULD EXIST IF A MECHANIC FAILED TO ORIENT THE THREADED 90 DEGREE ELBOW FITTING IN THE PROPER DIRECTION, OR IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY. ALSO, AN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED BEARING PLATE WAS INSTALLED ON THE STEERING DRIVE SHAFT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SLIP SHAFT TO BOTTOM OUT, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE STEERING YOKE CONNECTION OR TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE GEAR BOX.
What the manufacturer will do
THE DECK BEARING PLATE WILL BE REPLACED, A SLEEVE SPACER WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING SHAFT UNDER THE FLOOR AND TWO PARTS WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ATTACHMENT. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
Notes
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS, CAB-OVER-ENGINE MODELS EQUIPPED WITH ANINTEGRAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING COLUMN SHAFT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: EITHER DEFECT MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,WITHOUT WARNING, AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.