NHTSA Campaign Id 03V380000; Date: Oct. 8, 2003
Failure of the tie-rod will allow one of the wheels to swing to the limit of its steering stop, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalled Vehicles:1996 Pierce Custom Chassis; 1997 Pierce Custom Chassis; 1998 Pierce Custom Chassis; 1999 Pierce Custom Chassis; 2000 Pierce Custom Chassis; 2001 Pierce Custom Chassis; 2002 Pierce Custom Chassis; 2003 Pierce Custom Chassis
Component: Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
Manufactured by: Pierce Manufacturing
Affected Units:: 202
Recall Summary:On certain fire trucks with tandem steer axles. The trw tie-rod on the rear-most axle of a tandem axle is restrained from rotational movement by a pair of anti-rotation seals located at the ball socket joints. These anti-rotation seals will compress over time. If the anti-rotation seal allows too much motion, the seals can deteriorate, allowing contact between the ball socket and the ball shaft. This metal-to-metal contact will transmit forces into the tie-rod tube, causing fatigue failure initiating at the root of the female treads.
How to Fix:Dealers will replace the tie rod. Notification to owners began November 7, 2003. Owners should contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.
Recall Notes:Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Date Owners notified by Manufacturer: Nov 7, 2003
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