The problem
Fatigue cracks develop in the front axle knuckle suppport on high mileage vehicles that can cause knuckle failure.
The risk
Knuckle failure can result in possible wheel assembly separation and a loss of vehicle control.
The fix
Replace the front axle knuckle assemblies with a redesigned knuckle that has a radius in the area where cracks have been found.
Contacts
System: suspension; i-beam; solid; front spindle; knuckle. Vehicle description: medium duty trucks with gkn front axles. Note: if your vehicle is presented to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and the remedy is not provided in a reasonable amount of time and free of charge or the remedy does not correct the defect, please contact freightliner at 1-503-735-8000. Also, contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 94V075000.
- 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.