Suspension: frontRecall 98V-085 · 1996–1998 Freightliner Century
FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION recall 98V-085 covers 22,186 1996–1998 Freightliner Century for a suspension: front problem, reported to NHTSA on April 21, 1998.
Source: NHTSA recall 98V085000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR INTERAXLE DRIVELINE U-JOINTS. DEFLECTOR RINGS, A PART OF THE SYSTEM TO SEAL THE U-JOINTS FROM CONTAMINATES, ARE LOOSE. THIS ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE U-JOINT BEARING AREA RESULT IN DILUTION OF THE LUBRICANT, OXIDATION OF THE BEARING AND SEAL SURFACES, AND LOSS OF LUBRICANT.
The risk
IF THIS PROBLEM GOES UNDETECTED, THE INTERAXLE DRIVELINE CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE U-JOINTS WITH THE CURRENT DESIGN U-JOINTS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN TWO PHASES.THE FIRST PHASE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 13, 1998. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BEGIN AUGUST 8, 1998. 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 1-800-547-0712.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.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from April 1, 1996 to March 31, 1998. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.