The problem
On certain 4x4 vehicles equipped with a fabco tc-200 transfer case, an excessive front drive shaft angle may cause accelerated wear and failure of the drive shaft and related components.
The risk
This failure can cause the front drive shaft to become separated from the vehicle without warning and fall into the path of other vehicles on the highway resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the existing front drive shaft with a double-cardan type shaft. The owners will be notified beginning on february 28, 2005, concerning the final remedy for these vehicles. Owners should contact international truck at 1-800-448-7825. Interim notices were mailed to owners during december 2003. An additional interim notice was mailed to owners during july 2004, advising owners of the repair procedures but no parts will be available until december 2004.
Contacts
International recall no. 05501 (Previously 03516). Customers can 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 International, International Harvester dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V415000.
- 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.