The problem
Some steel kingpins supplied by custom forge, for use on certain van trailers, have been determined to possess inadequate heat treatment.
The risk
Complete fracture of the kingpin can occur resulting in detachment of the kingpin from a trailer and unintended separation of tractor and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the trailers to verify the kingpin brand and heat lot and determine if the kingpin is cracked. Customers will be advised to remove from service any trailers discovered to have cracked kingpins. Owner notification is began november 24, 2004. 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 lufkin at 1-800-324-3812.
Contacts
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Lufkin dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V127000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.