
A serious steer axle defect has prompted the recall of almost 19,000 Paccar and Navistar semi trucks.
The potential defects were discovered in late September. The official notices are scheduled to be mailed out to owners of the affected trucks in November.
According to the Safety Recall Reports by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 17,737 PACCAR semi trucks could be affected by a castellated nut, manufactured by Dana, that “may not be adequately torqued.”
The safety recall report explains the PACCAR defect like this:
“In affected [D and E series] steer axles, the castellated nut on the Dana axle tie rod may not be adequately torqued. As a result, the tie rod may become loose in the steer axle knuckle… A loose tie rod to steering knuckle connection may cause the tie rod to disconnect from the steering knuckle, which can result in a reduction of steering control (normally loss of the right front tire steering) leading to an increased risk of a crash.”
The PACCAR recall will affect both Peterbilt and Kenworth semi trucks. The affected models are as follows:
2016 Peterbilt 220, 320, 325, 330, 337, 348, 365, 367, 382, 384, 386, 389, 389G, 567, 579, and 587
2016 Kenworth K170, T170, T270, T370, T440, T470, T660, T680, T800, T880, and W900
“Peterbilt and Kenworth will notify affected customers,” continued the Safety Recall Report.
“The remedy identified by Dana Inc. will consist of having dealers inspect the suspect tie rod connections on each affected axle. If a loose castle nut is found it will be properly torqued. Dana will replace the tie rod stud and knuckle on axles where the nuts cannot be sufficiently torqued,” the report explained.
Peterbilt and Kenworth plan to notify owners of this recall by November 10th.
The NHTSA Safety Recall Report also explains that 1,175 Navistar semi trucks could also be affected by a similar recall on Dana parts where the “castellated nut and cotter pin may not have been tightened.”
The report describes the Navistar defect like this:
“In affected [Spicer D and E series] steer axles, the castellated nut and cotter pin may not have been tightened to their specified assembly torque. As a result, the tie rod may become loose in the steer axle, causing 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. If the tie rod disconnects from the steering knuckle, the driver may lose full control of a vehicle wheel (normally the right front tire).”
The Navistar recall will affect a significant number of International trucks. The affected models are as follows:
2016 International DuraStar, LoneStar, ProStar, TranStar, WorkStar, and 9900i
“The remedy will involve inspection of all units in the suspect population to ensure the castellated nuts in the tie rods are tightened to their specified assembly torque,” explained the Safety Recall Report.
“On units in which the nuts cannot be sufficiently torqued, the tie rod stud and knuckle will be replaced. Reimbursement instructions will be included in the customer notification [to be sent out by Navistar],” the report continued.
Navistar plans to notify owners of the recall by November 17th.
Since the discovery of the defect, Dana has “advised that it implemented process controls to ensure proper torque of the tie rod nuts in its Monterey, Mexico facility,” and has also “began using feedback-controlled torque installation equipment… and instituted corrected assembly procedures.”