2000 Sterling ACTERRA: complaints, problems and recalls

Reported: 2000-08-23 (August 23, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TORQUED.

Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR IF THE BOLT FALLS OUT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT FOR CORRECT TORQUE AND RE-TORQUE IF NECESSARY.

Reported: 2000-07-10 (July 10, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ACCURIDE 22.5 X 8.25 15 TUBELESS DEMOUNTABLE RIMS, PART NO. 32051. CERTAIN RIMS CONTAIN A NON-FUSION AREA IN THE BUTT-WELD OF THE MOUNTING RING. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE DEFECT COULD DEVELOP INTO A CRACK ON THE MOUNTING RING.

Consequence: OVER TIME, THE CRACK COULD PROPAGATE AND IF NOT HEEDED, COULD RESULT IN MOUNTING RING FAILURE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE RIM TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: ACCURIDE WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE OR SUSPECT WHEEL RIMS.

Reported: 2000-08-07 (August 7, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR MFS-8 SERIES FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES. THE WHEEL BEARING NUT ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY MAY 1) RESTRICT A COMPLETE LUBRICATION FILL AT ASSEMBLY AND/OR 2) SHEAR THE SPINDLE PERFORATED WASHER'S LOCKING TAB (LOCATED IN THE INSIDE DIAMETER OF THE WASHER) WHEN TIGHTENED. IF THE WASHER TAB IS SHEARED, TIGHTENING OF THE OUTER SPINDLE NUT MAY CAUSE THE BEARINGS TO BE EXCESSIVELY PRELOADED RATHER THAN THE INTENDED .001" - .005" END PLAY. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE.

Consequence: A PREMATURE WHEEL BEARING FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE SPINDLE NUTS AND WASHERS WITH A REDESIGNED SYSTEM.

Reported: 2000-08-17 (August 17, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SHUTTLE BUSES, TRANSIT BUSES AND STEP VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLISON 1000 OR 2400 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS CAN EXPERIENCE PARK PAWL TO REAR COVER INTERFERENCE DUE TO AN OUT OF FLATNESS CONDITION.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE NON-ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARK PAWL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SELECTOR IS MOVED TO THE PARK POSITION, RESULTING IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: ALLISON TRANSMISSION IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE VEHICLE, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL, AND REINSTALL THE TRANSMISSION IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ALLISON AT 1-800-252-5283 OR FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2000-08-07 (August 7, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONENT AT THE WHEEL END THAT GENERATES A CERTAIN TYPE OF ERRATIC SENSOR SIGNAL.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.

Reported: 2000-10-04 (October 4, 2000)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. A SUPPORT CLAMP WAS OMITTED FROM THE FRONT AXLE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE FROM THE CHASSIS TO THE BRAKE.

Consequence: THE BRAKE LINE COULD COME LOOSE RESULTING IN THE RISK OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCES FOR THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SUPPORT CLAMP ON THE FRONT AXLE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES.

Reported: 2001-02-05 (February 5, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. INCORRECT WIRING OF THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTING DIMMER SWITCH CAN CAUSE IT TO FAIL.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE WIRING FOR THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTING DIMMER SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2001-02-05 (February 5, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS. AN UNDERSIZED GROUND WIRE FOR THE DEFROSTER BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH CAN CAUSE THE SWITCH TO OVERHEAT AND FAIL.

Consequence: THIS RESULTS IN A LOSS OF THE DEFROSTING SYSTEM.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DEFROSTER BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH GROUND WIRE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 21, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2001-03-12 (March 12, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES AND A DURAPARK PARK BRAKE SYSTEM MANUFACTURED BY ARVINMERITOR. AIR IS ENTERING THE HYDRAULIC REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS THROUGH AN UNKNOWN PATH AND THE REAR SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES MAY NOT BE OPERATING PROPERLY.

Consequence: THIS RESULTS IN SPONGY OR SOFT FEEL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING CAPABILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE ABS ECU AND INSPECT THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR PROPER TRAVEL. IF EXCESSIVE TRAVEL IS DETECTED, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WILL BE BLED AND REAR BRAKES ADJUSTED. AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, FREIGHTLINER WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES INSPECTED TO ASSURE PROPER FUNCTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS WILL INCLUDE ADJUSTING AND BLEEDING THE BRAKES. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED THAT ON A REGULAR BASIS THEY SHOULD DO SEVERAL HARD BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHILE STOPPED. THIS WILL EXERCISE THE SELF-ADJUSTING SYSTEM AND IF THEY OBSERVE A LOW OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE IN FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2001-09-17 (September 17, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRW TIE ROD ENDS ON CERTAIN MERITOR AXLES. THE TIE ROD AND DRAG LINK BALL STUD ENDS CONTAIN BEARINGS THAT ARE BELOW THE SPECIFIED CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS.

Consequence: THIS CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR WITH POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE ALL AFFECTED TIE RODS AND DRAG LINKS WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNED ENDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2001-05-14 (May 14, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH CHALMERS 1000 AND 800 SERIES SUSPENSION KITS. THESE SUSPENSION KITS MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT PENETRATION OF THE WELD ATTACHING THE TORQUE ROD EYE TO THE TORQUE ROD TUBE.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THE WELD COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE EYE AND TUBE, CAUSING A LOCK OF AXLE RETENTION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL CHALMERS FIXED TORQUE RODS ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2001-06-14 (June 14, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CERTAIN HALDEX BRAKE SYSTEM TWO AND FOUR PORT RELAY VALVES. THE VALVE MAY STICK OPEN WHEN A HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATION IS RELEASED.

Consequence: WHEN THE VALVE STICKS OPEN, IT CAN RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS OF AIR FROM EITHER THE SERVICE OR THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DRIVER MAY LOSE BRAKING ABILITY UNDER A SERVICE APPLICATION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE VALVES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2001-11-29 (November 29, 2001)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE WELDS THAT ATTACH THE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ROD BRACKETS TO THE AXLE HOUSING MAY NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS.

Consequence: A WELD COULD FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUSPENSION BRACKET WELDS TO DETERMINE IF THEY MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND RE-WELD IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2002-04-10 (April 10, 2002)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MERITOR BRAND 12" X 4" DCM DRUM PARKING BRAKE, THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY TO THE FLANGE YOKE ARE TOO LARGE AND CAN INTERFERE WITH THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND POSSIBLY DISENGAGE.

Consequence: IMPROPER ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING BRAKE COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ATTACHING BOLTS WITH THE CORRECT SIZE BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2002-12-13 (December 13, 2002)

ON CERTAIN HEAVY TRUCKS, THE CAST OUTPUT YOKE ON THE MERCEDES-BENZ TRANSMISSIONS COULD FRACTURE ON VEHICLE WITH 1610 OR 16T SERIES DRIVELINES.

Consequence: IF PIECES OF THE YOKE SEPARATE, THE DEBRIS CAN REPRESENT A POTENTIAL HZARD TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE VHEICLE AND TO OTHER PASSING VEHICLES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAST TRANSMISSION OUTPUT YOKE WITH A FORGED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2003-03-21 (March 21, 2003)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TRUCK HUB UNITS MANUFACTURED BY SKF EXCLUSIVELY FOR USE ON ARVINMERITOR'S FF98X SERIES NON-DRIVE STEER AXLES, THE HUB UNIT BEARINGS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.

Consequence: SEIZURE OF THE BEARINGS CAN CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION OR WHEEL END FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT HUBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.

Reported: 2004-06-07 (June 7, 2004)

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS BUILT WITH 8,000 OR 6,000 POUND FRONT AXLES AND FOUR-PIECE SPINDLE NUT SETS, PREMATURE FRONT ,WHEEL BEARING WEAR MAY BE CAUSED BY INCONSISTENT BEARING ENDPLAY ADJUSTMENT.

Consequence: IF ALLOWED TO PROGRESS, THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: THE DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AXLE OIL SEALS AND HUB CAP GASKETS ON BOTH SIDES. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.