Mack to recall over 25,000 trucks

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The Morning Call  /  March 16, 2016

Mack Trucks is recalling more than 25,000 of its vehicles across the country, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The company is recalling certain model year 2012-15 Granite (GU), Pinnacle (CHU, CXU), TerraPro (LEU, MRU), and Titan (TD) and model year 2015 LR trucks manufactured Sept. 1, 2011, through April 30, 2014.

According to the recall summary, on certain models the cap nut that retains the inter-axle driveshaft yoke to the rear axle input shaft may loosen. If the cap nut loosens and falls off, the recall says, the yoke can separate from the axle input shaft and allow the driveshaft to disconnect, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mack is notifying owners and dealers to replace the cap nut. The input shaft threads will be inspected for any damage, and repairs will be made free, according to the recall.

The recall is expected to begin April 15, and owners can contact Mack customer service at 610-709-2131 with recall number: SC0399.

In addition to the 20,741 potentially affected trucks in the United States, there are an additional 1,068 in Canada, 405 in Mexico and 2,959 exported to other countries [altogether 25,173 trucks]..

Mack spokesman Christopher Heffner said the cap nut is a supplier part, and affected customers should visit their Mack dealership.

 

Important reading:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM498544/RCLRPT-16V099-2338.pdf

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM499162/RCMN-16V099-2118.pdf

 

 

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Additional information:

Although no crashes or injuries have been caused by this problem with Mack trucks, the issue may cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle or spill debris from the assembly into the roadway.

According to Mack Trucks Inc., and Volvo Group North America Regulatory Affairs Department, the cap nut that retains the inter-axle driveshaft yoke to the rear axle input may loosen prematurely. When the cap loosens and falls off, the yoke can separate from the axle input shaft and allow the drive shaft to completely disconnect. If the driveshaft disconnects, it would disable the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and potentially crash.

Mack Trucks Inc. first became aware of the problem on October 22, 2015, when a customer reported experiencing a failed driveshaft. Following the report, Mack Trucks Inc. and the Volvo Group of North America conducted a four-month investigation that concluded that the driveshaft was defectively designed, prompting the recall.

The NHTSA is warning Mack truck drivers to listen and be cautious of unfamiliar vibrations and rattling noises coming from underneath of the vehicles. This could be a sign of the cap nut loosening that would cause the inter-axle driveshaft yoke to disconnect from the rear axle input shaft.