Sterling A-Line recalls

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

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 freightliner business class m2, cascadia, century, columbia, coronado and sterling a-line vehicles built with meritor wabco electronic stability control (ESC) system manufactured from september 15, 2005 through september 1, 2011. Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the electronic stability control (ESC) system. This might cause the ESC to perceive an over steering situation and therefore apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable.

Risk

If the driver is slow to react during this ESC intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Daimler trucks will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ESC module with the appropriate software version as necessary, free of charge. An interim owner notification will be mailed on or about november 21, 2011. The date for availability of the final remedy is subject to validation testing and parts availability. The safety recall began on march 28, 2012. Owners may contact daimler trucks toll-free at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V465000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Dtna is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 freightliner; cascadia, century class, columbia, and coronado, certain model year 2008-2009 sterling; a-line and l-line and certain model year 2009-2012 western star constellation vehicles, manufactured from january 14, 2008, through june 15, 2011, built with detroit diesel 15 or 16 engines. The bolt attaching a rubber isolator to a support bracket may become loose and back out, potentially contacting an un-fused starter cable and creating a short circuit.

Risk

A short circuit between an un-fused battery cable and chassis ground could result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install a new bolt and isolator and repair the recreational vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on december 21, 2011. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 11V330000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks (dtna) is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 freightliner business class m2, sterling acterra, a-line, and l-line heavy trucks manufactured from september 8, 2008 through april 20, 2009 equipped with trw igen3 intermediate steering columns. The weld around the igen3 steering shaft tube that secures the spline tube to the intermediate tube may be mislocated (I.e., not fully over the seam created when the tubes are pressed together.)

Risk

Mislocated welds may result in torsional and axial strength falling below acceptable levels. This condition could result in separation of the steering column, loss of steering control and a vehicle crash without warning.

Remedy

Dtna will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on december 23, 2010. Owners may contact dtna at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 10V322000 · Recall details

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

What is wrong

Caterpillar is recalling 14 my 2008-2009 sterling a-line & l-line trucks equipped with caterpillar engine. The aftertreatment regeneration device (ard) may develop a hole and heat and flame may escape during a regeneration of the diesel particular filter.

Risk

This condition could result in a fire.

Remedy

Daimler trucks is working with caterpillar (please see 08e-069). Owners may contact caterpillar at-1‑800‑447‑4986 or daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 09V087000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Daimler trucks is recalling 62,000 my 2005-2007 freightliner business class, century class, columbia, coronado, fld, classic, sterling a-line, l-line, and western star 4900 trucks. A fractured fuel line could leak diesel fuel.

Risk

If a leak continues undetected under certain conditions, fuel may ignite at a hot engine surface and/or fuel may be spilled on the road surface.

Remedy

High pressure fuel lines and transfer tubes will be inspected and replaced free of charged. The recall began on july 9, 2008. Owners may contact daimler trucks at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 08V113000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks equipped with trw steering gears, models tas85 and rcs85, these steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition.

Risk

This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Freightliner is working with trw to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07e101). The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V592000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain truck-tractors equipped with holland simplex se or se ii fifth wheels, the latch lever pivot bolt assembly may have been over-tightened which could distort the pivot bolt spacer sleeve. Corrosion or contaminates in the pivot may cause it to bind and prevent the fifth wheel jaw from latching securely around the trailer king pin.

Risk

There is a possibility that the fifth wheel may fail to latch without the driver's knowledge. When the occurs, the driver could drive away and the trailer could become disengaged increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the pivot bolt and sleeve with a hex head shoulder bolt and washer. The recall began on january 3, 2008. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V530000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks built with axilok rear wheel spindle nuts, the nuts may have been improperly installed, with one or both locking clip tabs not properly engaged or damaged.

Risk

This may reduce the nut's ability to resist rotation, potentially allowing the nut to back off and the dual wheel set to separate from the vehicle, resulting in a crash without prior warning.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the axilok nuts for locking clip engagement or damage. They will be adjusted or replaced free of charge. The recall began on august 10, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V333000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks equipped with tuftrac rear suspensions, the center casting brackets may be out of specification. An out of square casting may have unacceptable stress in the bracket when it is installed and may cause it to crack in service.

Risk

The drive axle may not be held in position if a cracked bracket fractures completely. This will affect vehicle control and may cause a crash without warning.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and castings that are out of specification will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on december 12, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V316000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Freightliner is recalling certain school bus chassis, heavy trucks, van chassis, rv motorhome chassis manufactured from january 5 to may 17, 2007, equipped with axle alliance company (aac) front axles. During the front axle assembly, the fasteners that attach the steering arm or tie rod arms to the spindle may be over or under tightened.

Risk

Incorrectly tightened steering arm fasteners may fatigue and fracture which could cause a crash without warning.

Remedy

Thomas built will notify owners, inspect the fasteners, and replace the steering arm if necessary. The recall began on december 21, 2007. Owners can contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V306000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Certain freightliner school bus chassis, heavy trucks, and thomas built school buses manufactured between july 2002 and july 3, 2007, equipped with bendix sr-7 spring brake control valves. The parker scv brass 90 degree single check valves (scv) which attach to the supply port of a bendix sr-7 spring brake modulating valve can break apart. Pieces of the parker scv can become lodged inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valve, potentially causing either leakage out of the sr-7 valve or preventing air from properly exhausting from the sr-7 valve. Also, due to a manufacturing defect in the internal rubber check valve inside the sr-7 spring brake modulating valves, the valves can become deformed and not seat properly.

Risk

These conditions could either result in leakage and cause a delay in the application of the spring brake without warning or possibly lead to unintended vehicle rollaway or brake drag which could result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or death.

Remedy

Freightliner will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on january 11, 2008 to freightliner, sterling, and freightliner custom chassis owners; to thomas built bus owners on february 1, 2008. Owners can contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 07V302000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar diesel engines, the variable valve actuation oil line may wear against the sharp edge of the cylinder head if not positioned correctly.

Risk

The oil line may be cut on the cylinder head causing an oil leak and a possible fire.

Remedy

Caterpillar, in conjunction with freightliner, will be conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign free of charge. Owners may call caterpillar at 309‑675‑6496, or freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 06V030000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks equipped with visteon windshield wipers, the motor may have been produced without grease applied to the output shaft gear.

Risk

After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear teeth to distort or fracture during operation resulting in the loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on february 13, 2006. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 05V550000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks and fire trucks equipped with kys 4735-43782-02 engine cooling fans and built on caterpillar 3126, c7, mbe906, mbe926, or cummins isc engines, the steel fan insert on the cooling fans can crack.

Risk

This can result in fan breakage, resulting in vehicle damage or personal injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan free of charge. The recall began on june 8, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 05V126000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks the rear hub bearings may have been incorrectly adjusted.

Risk

The rear axle wheel ends with excessive bearing preload adjustment will overheat and may cause a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will check the rear wheel end installation to verity bearing adjustment and repair trucks with damaged bearings. The recall began on april 7, 2005 owners may contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 05V125000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain trucks equipped with truck hub units manufactured by skf exclusively for use on arvinmeritor's ff98x series non-drive steer axles, the hub unit bearings can wear prematurely.

Risk

Seizure of the bearings can cause wheel separation or wheel end fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both front hubs. Owner notification is expected to begin on or before september 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 03V112000 · Recall details

What is wrong

On certain truck-tractor model vehicles equipped with conmet simplex stationary or sliding fifth-wheel, the clinch pins that retain the fifth-wheel pivot pins may not be fully installed.

Risk

The fifth wheel could separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the fifth wheel to verify the correct installation of the clinch pin and pivot pin. Missing pins will be replaced. Owner notification began november 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 02V337000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: trucks, school bus and motor home chassis, and transit buses equipped with tie rod assemblies manufactured by trw. The suspect tie rods contain 24-dl model ball sockets. Certain of the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket.

Risk

If this condition occurs, the driver can lose partial control of the right front wheel, possibly resulting in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the defective ball sockets and/or drag links. Owner notification began may 22, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712 or trw customer service at 1‑866‑280‑3287.

Recall number 01V044002 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: conventional heavy duty trucks. The tie rod cross tubes could fracture due to fatigue caused by a system resonance.

Risk

Loss of steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will remove and replace the 1 1/2 inch tie rod cross tubes with a 1 3/4" tube.

Recall number 00V108000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: heavy duty truck models with 111", 113", and 122" cabs. The fuel tank steps can develop fatigue cracks due to excessive overhang.

Risk

The steps could fail.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the step assembly for overhang and add an end support of the trailing edge of the fuel tank step, if necessary. Owner notification began november 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact freightliner at 1‑800‑547‑0712.

Recall number 00V080000 · Recall details