Power train: clutch assembly
- Component
- Power train: clutch assembly
- Manufacturer
- INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND ENGINE
- Vehicles affected
- 13,052
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-07-12
- Owners notified
- 2002-07-19
Defect description
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, LOWER CLUTCH RODS WITH TURNBUCKLES ARE FAILING FROM FATIGUE NEAR THE TURNBUCKLE DUE TO BENDING FORCES EXPERIENCED DURING EACH CLUTCH PEDAL CYCLE.
Safety risk
THE CLUTCH ROD CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AND IF THE CLUTCH ROD BREAKS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED OR DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE COULD LUNGE UNEXPECTEDLY IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SELECTED GEAR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLUTCH ROD ASSEMBLY WITH A SOLID ROD DESIGN THAT DOES NOT HAVE A TURNBUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 19, 2002. 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 INTERNATIONAL AT 1-800-448-7825.