The problem
Autocar is recalling 770 my 2007-2009 wxll heavy duty class 8 vehicles equipped with residential front-loader applications. These vehicles may develop cracks mainly in the top flange of the rh extension of the frame rail at the front splay break where the re-enforcing straps are welded. During front-loader operation, residual hydraulic pressure causes the front loader system to push down on the bumper-mounted brackets, causing visible deflection of the chassis from the suspension front hanger bracket forward.
The risk
The deflection may eventually result in cracking of the frame rail.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front frame extensions with the new i-beam extension design. The recall began on september 29, 2008. Owners may contact autocar at 1-765-489-5499.
Contacts
Autocar recall no. A-0804. Customers may 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 08V447000.
- 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.