Western Star Constellation recalls

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

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: heavy duty 6x4 trucks equipped with either hendrickson rt/rs series suspensions or chalmers 800 series suspensions, with a wheel base greater than 250 inches, and western star's air '96' air brake system without anti-lock brakes. These vehicles do not meet the air brake release time required by fmvss no. 121, "air brake systems."

Risk

Air brake release time may be longer than anticipated by the operator increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install an in-line quick release valve in each of the drop lines to the rear most brake chambers.

Recall number 97V151000 · Recall details

What is wrong

Vehicle description: conventional trucks and truck/tractors equipped with a firewall adapter plate for the steering shaft boot. Insufficient clearance between the top of the steering shaft and the top of the opening in the adapter plate can cause the steering shaft to contact the top of the firewall adapter opening wearing a groove in the steering shaft. If the groove is allowed to wear deep enough, the shaft can fail.

Risk

If the steering shaft fails, steering control will be lost increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the firewall adapter plate on the affected vehicles.

Recall number 97V075000 · Recall details

What is wrong

The brake return spring can contact the hub. Further wear of the brake lining material will lead to wear of the return spring and the spring can fail prematurely.

Risk

Pieces of the failed spring could then lodge in the brake cam causing either the affected brake to stay applied when the other brakes have been released, or stopping the affected brake from applying when the other brakes are applied. The vehicle could then be pulled in a lateral direction off the road or into oncoming traffic increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Remedy

Dealers will modify the front brakes on these trucks.

Recall number 96V148000 · Recall details