NHTSA Recall 01V221000
Filed by LBT, Inc.. Component: Suspension. Reported 2001-06-26. An estimated 8 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FRUEHAUF LARGE CAPACITY PETROLEUM TRAILERS BUILT WITH TANDEM NEWAY AIR-RIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS. OPERATION OF THE TRAILERS HAS REVEALED A POSSIBILITY THAT THE AXLE BRACKET-TO-AXLE WELDS COULD CRACK, AND THE CRACKS COULD PROPAGATE INTO THE AXLE BEAM.
Risk
THE CRACKING COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY. THE REDUCTION IN VEHICLE STABILITY WOULD BE INDICATED TO THE OPERATOR BY ABNORMAL HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS SUCH AS SWAYING OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE OPERATOR DOES NOT HEED THE REDUCTION OF VEHICLE STABILITY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR IN THE FORM OF A ROLLOVER.
What the manufacturer will do
LBT WILL REPLACE THE NEWAY AIR-RIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH A PRO-PAR FOUR-LEAF SPRING SUSPENSION AND WILL ALSO REPLACE THE TWO VEHICLE AXLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE/JULY 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 LBT AT 1-402-333-4900.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).