Freightliner Recall 81V001000: Steering, Gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
NHTSA recall 81V001000 · announced December 2, 1981 · filed by Freightliner Corp. · 104 units affected
The problem
AN AIR BRAKE HOSE FITTING BENEATH THE FLOOR OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY RUB AGAINST THE ROTATING STEERING DRIVE SHAFT, EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE SHAFT TO FRACTURE. THIS CONDITION COULD EXIST IF A MECHANIC FAILED TO ORIENT THE THREADED 90 DEGREE ELBOW FITTING IN THE PROPER DIRECTION, OR IF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY. ALSO, AN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED BEARING PLATE WAS INSTALLED ON THE STEERING DRIVE SHAFT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SLIP SHAFT TO BOTTOM OUT, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE STEERING YOKE CONNECTION OR TO THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE GEAR BOX.
What to do
THE DECK BEARING PLATE WILL BE REPLACED, A SLEEVE SPACER WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING SHAFT UNDER THE FLOOR AND TWO PARTS WILL BE ADDED TO THE STEERING COLUMN ATTACHMENT. THIS WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
Official NHTSA recall notice →
Notes
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY TRUCKS, CAB-OVER-ENGINE MODELS EQUIPPED WITH ANINTEGRAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING COLUMN SHAFT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: EITHER DEFECT MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,WITHOUT WARNING, AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Vehicles covered by this recall
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.