Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
- Component
- Trailer hitches: fifth wheel assembly
- Manufacturer
- PACCAR INCORPORATED
- Vehicles affected
- 164
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2007-02-06
- Owners notified
- 2007-02-28
Defect description
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE FIFTH WHEEL KING PIN RELEASE AIR VALVE INTERNAL SPOOL WAS INSTALLED BACKWARDS. THE AIR OPTION OF THE KING PIN RELEASE SYSTEM WOULD BE INOPERABLE. TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION IN PRODUCTION, THE VEHICLE'S AIR LINES WERE MISTAKENLY REVERSED RATHER THAN REPLACING THE VALVE.
Safety risk
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE KING PIN CAN RELEASE WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE DRIVER COULD DRIVE AWAY AND THE TRAILER COULD BECOME DISENGAGED.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE KING PIN RELEASE SYSTEM AND SUSPECT VALVE. IF ANY VEHICLES HAVE A NON-CONFORMING VALVE OR INCORRECT PLUMBING, IT WILL BE REPLACED AND RE-PLUMBED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PETERBILT AT 940-591-4196.