Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Recall 08V-015 · Newmar vehicles
NEWMAR CORPORATION recall 08V-015 covers 126 Newmar vehicles for a steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) problem, reported to NHTSA on January 11, 2008.
Source: NHTSA recall 08V015000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
CERTAIN MOTOR HOME CHASSIS BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER VCL OR XC CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH ZF MODEL 8018 STEERING GEARS, THESE GEARS MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH THE INCORRECT RECIRCULATING BALL SPACER. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY ALLOW THE RECIRCULATING BALLS TO ESCAPE FROM THE RECIRCULATING BALL CIRCUIT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING.
The risk
THE OPERATOR MAY NOTICE HIGHER REQUIRED STEERING WHEEL INPUTS, OR THE NEED FOR MORE STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE IN COMBINATION WITH METALLIC CRACKING NOISES PRIOR TO A LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix
FREIGHTLINER IS CONDUCTING THIS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-343) AND WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712 OR NEWMAR AT 574-773-7791.
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.