SuspensionRecall 96V-124 · 1995–1996 Western Star Conventional
WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC. recall 96V-124 covers 36 1995–1996 Western Star Conventional for a suspension problem, reported to NHTSA on August 1, 1996.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V124003 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
THE EQUALIZING BEAM SHAFT OF THE TANDEM AXLE SUSPENSION WERE MANUFACTURED FROM AS-ROLLED SAE4140 STEEL RATHER THAN THE SPECIFIED ANNEALED SAE4140. THESE SHAFTS CAN FRACTURE INSIDE THE BEAM AT THE TOE OF THE WELD.
The risk
VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO VEHICLE TILT AND POSSIBLE ROLLOVER IN THE EVENT THAT BOTH EQUALIZING BEAMS, ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, EXPERIENCE A SIMULTANEOUS SHAFT FAILURE. AFFECTED SUSPENSIONS CAN ALSO DROP AND CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE GENERATING SPARKS WHICH COULD IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.
The fix
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY NEWAY ANCHORLOK. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL SUSPENSION SUSPENSION BEAMS WITH SUSPENSION BEAMS CONTAINING APPROPRIATE SHAFTS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY NEWAY ANCHORLOK AND BEGAN JULY 18, 1996.NOTE: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 NEWAY AT 1-800-237-8932.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
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 August 3, 1995 to March 18, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.