- The problem
- Steering arm may fail if used on eaton efa12f4 from axle in conjunction with ross hfb70 power steering gear.
- The risk
- A failed steering gear arm could lead to loss of vehiclecontrol and vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Install a nonadjustable 1500 psi power steering pump pressure relief valve to limit steering arm forces. Replace steering arm with a design capable of withstanding higher forces. Adjust maximum poppet valve settings to 500 psi and adjust axle stops.
Vehicle safety record
1985 Freightliner Conventional Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1985 Freightliner Conventional have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in October 1988 for the linkages.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Conventional year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1985 Freightliner Conventional recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Fastener that connects the harness belt d ring to the b pillar may not be long enough to provide full thread engagement with the anchorage weld nut.
- The risk
- Seat belts could fail and not adequately protect theoccupant.
- The fix
- Replace mounting hardware with hex shoulder bolt and .55 Inch spacer.
- The problem
- Incorrect size air brake actuator chambers were installed on the drive axles.
- The risk
- This could result in increased stopping distance.
- The fix
- Replace drive axle brake chambers with correct size chambers.
- The problem
- Under certain conditions, an electrical short circuit can develop.
- The risk
- Short circuit could result in trucks catching fire.
- The fix
- Replace existing picture frame type battery retainer with an I frame retainer and install convoluted tubing over positive battery cable.
- The problem
- Seat belts can loosen as the truck is driven. Consequence of defect: driver and passenger would not be properly restrained in event of a sudden stop or crash.
- The fix
- Replace the non locking retractor seat belts with automatic locking retractor seat belts.
- The problem
- The handhold mounting system, which consists of a tubular handle held in three places by cast aluminum brackets and attached to the engine exhaust muffler heat shield. Vibration from this system causes the handhold parts to wear. Consequence of defect: if the parts wear thin the possibility exists that the handhold might give way under the weight of a driver. This could result in personal injury.
- The fix
- Replace the end brackets with a modified design utilizing a rubber isolater. Also, add a plastic sleeve to the center bracket for isolation.
- The problem
- Steering column mounting bolts may be absent, leaving only the knee pad to hold the steering wheel and column in place. Consequence of defect: under certain driving conditions, knee pad attaching bolts may not be sufficient, allowing the steering column and wheel to come loose while the truck is being driven. This could result in loss of control and an accident.
- The fix
- Install clamps and bolts, if missing, or check existing bolts for tightness.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1985 Freightliner Conventional yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Freightliner Conventional: every year compared
All Conventional years1985 Freightliner Conventional vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 Freightliner Conventional | 0 | 7 | F | |
| 1985 Freightliner Freightliner | 2 | 5 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1985 Freightliner Conventional
Does the 1985 Freightliner Conventional have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 1985 Freightliner Conventional: linkages (October 1988); anchorage (December 1987); chamber (September 1987); cables (February 1987) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1985 Freightliner Conventional had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1985 Freightliner Conventional a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 13 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Freightliner Conventional year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Freightliner Conventional years have the most complaints?
2000 (12), 1999 (11), 1995 (7). See every Freightliner Conventional year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 Freightliner Conventional has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data