Linkages: tie rod assemblyRecall 01V-044 · Freightliner and Orion vehicles
FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION recall 01V-044 covers 16,000 Freightliner and Orion vehicles for a linkages: tie rod assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on February 21, 2001.
Source: NHTSA recall 01V044002 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERTAIN OF THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW-SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE SOCKET.
The risk
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR TRW CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-280-3287.
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from July 15, 1999 to December 21, 1999. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.