Structure: frame and membersRecall 02V-295 · 1988–1999 Wabash Roadrailer
WABASH NATIONAL CORP. recall 02V-295 covers 6,233 1988–1999 Wabash Roadrailer for a structure: frame and members problem, reported to NHTSA on November 14, 2002.
Source: NHTSA recall 02V295000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEMI-TRAILERS. THESE SEMI-TRAILERS ARE EQUIPPED WITH SUSPENSION BOGIES THAT CAN SLIDE FORWARD AND AFT TO CHANGE THE AXLE POSITIONS. THE BOGIES SLIDE ALONG A PAIR OF BODY RAILS THAT ARE WELDED DIRECTLY TO THE BOTTOM FLANGE OF THE I-BEAM CROSSMEMBERS THAT MAKE UP THE FLOOR SUPPORT STRUCTURE. THE FRONT STOP PIPES WERE INADVERTENTLY WELDED TO THE BODY RAILS SEVERAL INCHES BELOW THE BOTTOM OF THE CROSSMEMBERS.
The risk
CYCLIC TENSION LOADING WILL RESULT IN THE OUTSIDE GUSSET WELD CRACKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL CUT AWAY THE VERTICAL CONNECTION OF THE GUSSET TO THE RAILS ELIMINATING THE GUSSET CRACKING IN THE AREA WHERE THE STOP PIPE IS SOLIDLY WELDED INTO THE BODY RAILS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2002. 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 WABASH AT 1-765-771-5300.
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.