The problem
On certain medium duty vehicles, the right side stabilizing rod, which spans the cooling module and the right frame rail bracket, was inadvertently designed too close in proximity to the alternator positive electrical terminal post. In the event the protective rubber boot on the terminal post was removed or cracked and the engine mounts allowed the engine to rock, electrical arcing could occur between the radiator tie rod hardware on the frame side and the alternator terminal post while the engine is running.
The risk
The electrical arcing could potentially ignite a fire in the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will replace the right radiator tie rod and corresponding mounting bracket with a longer radiator tie and different mounting bracket which will adequately space apart the tie rod mounting hardware and mounting bracket free of charge. The recall began on august 22, 2007. Owners may contact peterbilt at 940-591-4201.
Contacts
Peterbilt recall no. 707H. 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 Peterbilt dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V321000.
- 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.