The problem
On certain heavy duty class 8 trucks equipped with arvinmeritor urresko tie rod clamps, heat treatment of clamps created a surface hardness that could lead to a fracture of the clamps.
The risk
In the event of a crack the clamps could break off affecting toe-in and alignment. The tie rod can come loose resulting in steering loss and a crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and repair these vehicles free of charge. The recall began on march 24, 2005. Owners may contact autocar at 1-765-489-5499.
Contacts
Autocar recall no. A-0502. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
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 Autocar dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 05V031000.
- 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.