SuspensionRecall 79V-044 · Flxible vehicles
GRUMMAN FLXIBLE CORP. recall 79V-044 covers 1,100 Flxible vehicles for a suspension problem, reported to NHTSA on January 5, 1979.
Source: NHTSA recall 79V044000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
A HARDENED WASHER REQUIRED IN MOUNTING THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET TO THE TOP OF THE FRONT AXLE WAS OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY. THE OMISSION OF THE HARDENED WASHER COULD CAUSE A GAP UP TO.063" BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE MOUNTING FLANGE AND THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY. THIS GAP WILL PREVENT THE SPECIFIED CLAMPING FORCES FROM BEING APPLIED TO THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET. THE INABILITY TO CORRECTLY CLAMP THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET TO THE AXLE COULD CAUSE ABNORMAL STRESS LOADS TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRACKET DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CONTINUED OPERATION UNDER THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN VERTICAL BRACKET FRACTURE. IF COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET OCCURRED, THE FRONT AXLE COULD SHIFT, CAUSING BINDING AND RUBBING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND, EVENTUALLY, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
The fix
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE BRACKETS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; AXLE RADIUS ROD.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEACCIDENT AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES.
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 November 1, 1976 to December 1, 1978. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.