Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- Component
- Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- Manufacturer
- FREIGHTLINER CORPORATION
- Vehicles affected
- 16,000
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2001-02-21
- Owners notified
- 2001-05-22
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUS AND MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY TRW. THE SUSPECT TIE RODS CONTAIN 24-DL MODEL BALL SOCKETS. CERTAIN OF THE TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW-SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OF THE SOCKET.
Safety risk
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BALL SOCKETS AND/OR DRAG LINKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2001. 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 OR TRW CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-280-3287.