Certain trucks manufactured by Volvo, Mack, and Autocar are to be recalled as a direct result of Dana steer axles that could potentially cause the tie rod to come loose.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, the castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen. If the tie rod loosens, it can disconnect from the steering knuckle – this will cause a complete loss of steering in the trucks.
According to Dana, “In affected steer axles, the castellated nut and cotter pin may not have been torqued to expected torque. As a result, the tie rod may become loose in the steer axle, causing a significant auditory warning and/or looseness in steering. If a vehicle operator continues to operate the vehicle in spite of this advanced warning, the tie rod may in rare instances become disconnected from the knuckle.”
A list of exact vehicles will be released on October 16, 2017, by Mack Trucks. They plan to release a list of at least 477 2016 Pinnacle CHU and CXU truck manufactured between March 9, 2015, and June 26, 2015, that could be affected by this potential danger. Mack dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening if necessary. If Mack finds your truck recalled, they will fix the error for free.
The recall specifically affects trucks equipped with Dana D-Series and E-Series steer axles.
If your truck is affected, there should be a noticeable noise and looseness in steering before the tie rod completely disconnects.
NHTSA reports, “Before a tie rod can disconnect from the vehicle, a driver should experience significant warning, including noise and loosened steering.”
If you are a Mack driver and notice either of these signs please contact Mack customer service at 800-866-1177 with recall number SC0408.
Similarly, Volvo is recalling about 497 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured between March 20, 2015, and June 30, 2015. If you are a Volvo driver please contact Volvo customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX1702.
Autocar has 2 active recalls affecting approximately 85 the model year 2017 Xpeditor severe duty trucks, and approximately 30 the model year 2016 Xpert medium- and heavy-duty trucks and Xspotter terminal tractors. If you are an Autocar driver please contact Autocar customer service at 888-218-3611 with recall number ACX-1703.
The Xpert and Xspotter recall affects Xpert trucks manufactured between March 23, 2015, and July 22, 2015, and Xspotter trucks manufactured between April 27, 2015, and May 26, 2015. If you are a Xpeditor driver please contact Xpeditor customer service at 877-777-5360 with recall number MDTT-1701.