As a mechanical engineer and accident reconstructionist I was asked to examine the front axle of a late model freightliner truck-tractor that had been in a loss-of-steering-control type accident. The accident resulted in a total loss of the tractor, the trailer, the trailer load and injury to the driver. Upon examining the left front steering spindle I noticed it had separated from the axle. The place where the spindle connects to the axle is effected by an interference fit between a solid cylinder and a cylindrical hole with no other means of joining the two parts. The hole was cracked which caused a partial loss of interence fit which allowed the spindle to work its way out of the hole. When this occurs there is loss of load support by the wheel and a loss of steering. There was no impact damage to the wheel so the separation was the cause of the accident not a result of the accident. This was clearly a defective front axle but it is not known at this time if it is a (1) design defect , (2) manufacturing defect or (3) a material defect. However, there is a defect and it is a very serious problem because there are several thousand of these truck tractors operating right now with steering axles potentially about to fail and when they do the effects will be catastrophic to the drivers, other motorists and cargoes. The only way to correct this problem is to stop the trucks, recall the trucks and replace or modify the spindle-axle connection so that they can't separate. I know that there was a meeting of a number of trucking companies that have experienced this problem and that they have not had any good response from freightliner regarding fixing the problem. For the sake of public safety you should open an investigation of this problem as soon as possible. These truck tractors and their defective steering axles are ticking time bombs on our nation's highways.
The worst 2004 Freightliner FLD problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Recalls 6
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 heavy trucks manufactured from july 11, 2003, through september 28, 2007, equipped with epa04 model mbe4000 engines built with plastic low pressure fuel lines and fuel filters mounted near the center of the engine on the left-hand side. The plastic low pressure fuel line between engine mounted fuel filter and engine block may develop a substantial diesel fuel leak.
- Risk
- This could create a road hazard increasing the risk of a crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Daimler trucks will notify owners and the remedy will be performed by detroit diesel corporation authorized repair facilities. Vehicles will be inspected and the plastic low pressure fuel line will be replaced with a steel low pressure fuel line. This service will be performed free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on october 28, 2011. The safety recall began on february 21, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 11V478000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Daimler trucks is recalling model year 2004-2010 trucks equipped with caterpillar c15 engine. The variable valve actuation oil line may rub against the p-clips retaining the oil line, causing an oil leak.
- Risk
- An oil leak may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar to remedy these vehicles. Please see caterpillar's defect report 09e-020. Caterpillar will inspect and repair the necessary components free of charge. The recall began on may 5, 2009. Owners may contact caterpillar toll-free at 1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 09V366000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- On certain truck and motor home chassis equipped with I-shafts supplied by zf heavy duty steering, there is a potential for a failure of the fork/shaft connection.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the vehicle could suffer a loss of steering ability, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and attach a tension collar to the steering shaft to secure the connection to the yoke. The recall began on november 16, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 05V408000 · Recall details
Wheels: hub
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with 3rd generation conmet aluminum wheels, the drum mounting flange on the conmet truturn brake drum may have been manufactured with a taper from the pilot hole to the barrel of the drum.
- Risk
- This taper may cause cracking or fractures of the front hub. This could cause a crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- After further investigation and testing, freightliner has revised the population and the remedy (december 22, 2005). Therefore, the recall began on march 15, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 05V285000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, there is a defect in the interaxle driveline yokes. The bolt holes located on the earwork of the male shaft yokes were manufactured with an oversized minor thread diameter.
- Risk
- This condition allows the bolts used in the holes to become detached which could result in a driveline separation. Driveline separation could result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the suspect male shaft yokes. The recall began on april 4, 2005. Owners should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 04V590000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks, the brake pedal pushrod was not tightened properly during assembly.
- Risk
- Loose brake pedal pushrod jam nuts could cause loss of control of the vehicle and a crash may occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will adjust the pedal pushrod. The recall began on april 11, 2005. Owners should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.
Recall number 04V591000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Freightliner FLD 113
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Revised Technical Service Letter for Series 60 and Series 50 Camshaft Timing Specifications
- Warranty Information Letter sent to customers regarding new refrigerator supplier for returning parts.
- Service Bulletin 9810- Chassis Paint Usage
- AirLiner Suspension Six-Piece Bolted Service Crossmember
- Sb2028 Engine Coolant Changes
- Sb2031 Horton Fan Clutches with 32-Inch Fans
- Sb2032 Gates PowerGrip Hose Clamps, Replacement
- Sb2049 Fan Shroud Modification
- Sb2056 Transmission Oil Line Removal and Installation
- Sb2057 New Surge Tank Design
What 2004 Freightliner FLD owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2004 Freightliner FLD
Other model years
Questions about the 2004 Freightliner FLD
Is the 2004 Freightliner FLD reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2004 Freightliner FLD, close to a typical FLD model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Freightliner FLD?
Steering, with 1 complaint. Next is suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Freightliner FLD have?
6 recalls, covering fuel system, diesel, engine and engine cooling and steering.
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