Driving down the road @30 MPH. The tire blew out and tore up the front right portion of the vehicle. Also, I have the mate to the tire that was on the other side and it is defected to. So it seems as if these tires are defected. Both tires were bought and put on at the same time. Kelly goodyear balloon type steer tires (armorsteel)
The worst 1998 Western Star 4900 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Tires2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Tires2
Recalls 2
Suspension: front: hub
- 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
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with caterpillar 3406e and c-15 engines, interference between the positive battery cable and stud mounting electronic control module (ECM) to the engine exists. Chafing can wear through the battery cable insulation to allow contact between the battery cable and the stud.
- Risk
- This contact could provide a short circuit, which may cause a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles and the battery cables will be replaced and/or re-routed as necessary. Owner notification began april 18, 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 01V387000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Western Star 4900 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Operating Hours for the Customer Assistance Center
- Western star: pyrometer thermocouple, ammeter shunt, fuel level, and other sensor inputs may be connected...
- Western star: fuel tanks rotating in saddles
- Western star: around the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) an excessive amount of crystal or powder built up...
What 1998 Western Star 4900 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Driving down the road @30 MPH. The tire blew out and tore up the front right portion of the vehicle. Also, I have the mate to the tire that was on the other side and it is defected to. So it seems as if these tires are defected. Both tires were bought and put on at the same time. Kelly goodyear balloon type steer tires (armorsteel)
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Questions about the 1998 Western Star 4900
Is the 1998 Western Star 4900 reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1998 Western Star 4900, 2.0 times a typical 4900 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Western Star 4900?
Tires, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 1998 Western Star 4900 have?
2 recalls, covering suspension and electrical system.
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