The problem
On certain trucks built with dana rear axles, the housings may contain thinner material than what is necessary for normal vehicle operation.
The risk
Over time, this thinner material may result in a fatigue failure of the rear axle housing, possibly in the location of the brake flange. A crack in the brake flange location of the rear axle housing may result in a wheel end lockup or wheel separation possibly resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the vehicle's rear axles and, if necessary, replace the axle housings. The recall began on august 10, 2007. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-499. 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 Freightliner dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V255000.
- 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.