- The problem
- In the event of turbocharger compressor wheel failure, one or more of the four capscrews that hold the turbocharger together may be struck by parts of the compressor wheel, resulting in the capscrews being damaged. If these capscrews are damaged to the point that they allow the compressor back plate to dislocate from the turbocharger bearing housing, engine lubricating oil may be allowed to escape under pressure, contacting the engine exhaust manifold sections or turbocharger turbine housing.
- The fix
- Dealer will install a shield for the heads of the four capscrews, along with stronger sae 8 grade 8 capscrews, if necessary, at no cost to owner.
Vehicle safety record
1977 Mack RS Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1977 Mack RS have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in May 1979 for the engine.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical RS year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1977 Mack RS 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
- In the involved trucks it is possible the adjustable steering column rear mounting bracket could fail, allowing steering wheel assembly to fall down onto the operator"s lap.
- The fix
- Dealer will install an additional bracket in this area to prevent the steering wheel from dislocating in the event of a bracket failure.
- The problem
- A short circuit could occur due to chafing or wire disconnection in the box.
- The fix
- The wiring in the sleeper box will be corrected, free of charge.
- The problem
- Delays of up to about 2 seconds may exist in the brake application times to the brakes on the bogie axles in the presence of certain types of wheel speed sensor signal discontinuities or distortions that may occur as a result of sensor wire failure. This constitutes a non-compliance to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 121, "Air brake systems".
- The fix
- Dealer will install new wheel speed sensors that incorporate improved wiring and the present bogie anti-wheel lock system will be changed to an axle-to-axle system for improved reliability.
- The problem
- A design deficiency exists in the air dryer piping in the area of the pressure relief valve and compressor governor control link. Moisture is passed and builds up in this relief valve and control line. In freezing ambient temperatures, this moisture may freeze, allowing the chassis air system pressure to exceed 150 psi. Excessive air system pressure can cause separation of air piping connections and air system valve failure.
- The fix
- The dealer will relocate the air system compressor governor line and pressure relief valve to eliminate moisture accumulation.
- The problem
- A deficiency exists in the welds securing the rear spring insulator bracket to the axle housing. This is due to improper positioning of the weld, in relationship to the bracket and axle housing. Failure of the welds would cause separation of the spring insulator bracket and the axle housing, resulting in improper alignment of the affected axle.
- The fix
- Dealer will reweld the insulator spring bracket at no cost to owner.
- The problem
- The front wheel aluminum hubs on the involved vehicles may be subject to cracks which may progress circumferentially around the barrel of the hub. This could lead to a fracture in the "barrel" position of the hub and complete hub failure.
- The fix
- Dealer will install steel hubs in place of aluminum hubs without charge to owner.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1977 Mack RS 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.
Mack RS: every year compared
All RS yearsQuestions about the 1977 Mack RS
Does the 1977 Mack RS have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 1977 Mack RS: engine (May 1979); steering wheel / handle bar (May 1979); wiring (October 1978); interconnecting assembly(wiring) (October 1978) 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 1977 Mack RS had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1977 Mack RS a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Mack RS 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.
What should I do if my 1977 Mack RS 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