The problem
On the involved vehicles, cracks may develop at the base of the inner wheel bearing cup and propagate circumferentially around the barrel of the hub. A fracture between the inner hub end and the flange portion of the hub could eventually develop. Failure could occur causing hub separation. Continued operation after hub separation has occurred could result in lock-up of brake assembly, excessive heat generation due to brake lining to drum contact, and progressive damage to the hub, causing the separated hub with the wheel and tire to disengage from the truck.
The fix
Dealer will replace the aluminum hubs with steel hub, cup and stud assemblies, without charge to owner.
Contacts
Vehicle description: trucks equipped with ff-931 front steering axles and motorwheel corporation aluminum hubs.System: suspension; wheels.Consequences of defect: either hub failure or complete separation of the wheelassembly could cause loss of vehicle control and an accident.Note: driver may hear a sound the instant the hub separates, along withthumping and wheel wobble.
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 77V121000.
- 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.