Suspension: rearRecall 96V-233 · Freightliner vehicles
FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION recall 96V-233 covers 1,410 Freightliner vehicles for a suspension: rear problem, reported to NHTSA on November 20, 1996.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V233003 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATON DRIVE AXLES AND AXILOK SPINDLE NUTS. THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSINGS CONSIST OF A PLATE STEEL CENTER SECTION AND TWO FORGED SPINDLES, ONE OF WHICH IS WELDED TO EACH END OF THE CENTER SECTION. EACH SPINDLE CONTAINS A KEYWAY SLOT IN WHICH THE LOCKING TAB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING NUT LOCKING MECHANISM IS INSERTED. THE LENGTH OF THE KEYWAY SLOT MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE TAB CAUSING THE TAB TO BE DEFORMED OR DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION.
The risk
THIS LOCKING TAB PREVENTS THE WHEEL BEARING NUT FROM LOOSENING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS TAB IS DEFORMED, THE NUT CAN LOOSEN ALLOWING THE WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE HOUSING NUTS WITH A CONVENTIONAL WHEEL NUT HARDWARE SYSTEM.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 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 FREIGHTLINER AT 1-503-735-8000.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 January 1, 1996 to October 23, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.