Volvo, Mack, Autocar trucks recalled for steer axle problem

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Matt Cole, Overdrive  /  September 25, 2017

A potential problem with certain Dana steer axles that could cause the tie rod to loosen has prompted a recall of more than 1,000 trucks manufactured by Volvo, Mack and Autocar.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, the castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen. If the tie rod loosens, it can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering in the trucks.

The recall affects trucks equipped with certain Dana D-Series and E-Series steer axles. NHTSA documents state that drivers of affected trucks would notice an audible noise and looseness in steering before the tie rod fully disconnects.

Mack Trucks is recalling approximately 477 model year 2016 Pinnacle CHU and CXU trucks manufactured between March 9, 2015, and June 26, 2015. Mack will begin notifying owners on Oct. 16. Mack dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening if necessary. If the tie rod stud and knuckle can’t be torqued correctly, Mack will replace the knuckle and tie rod end for free. Owners can contact Mack customer service at 800-866-1177 with recall number SC0408. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-535.

Volvo Trucks is recalling approximately 497 model year VNL and VNM trucks manufactured between March 20, 2015, and June 30, 2015. Volvo will begin notifying owners on Oct. 16 and will follow the same procedure as Mack to fix the issue. Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX1702. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-536.

Two separate recalls from Autocar affect approximately 85 model year 2017 Xpeditor severe duty trucks, and approximately 30 model year 2016 Xpert medium- and heavy-duty trucks and Xspotter terminal tractors.

The Xpeditor recall affects trucks manufactured between March 2, 2015, and Aug. 24, 2015. Autocar began notifying owners on Sept. 20, and will inspect the torque of the affected parts and tighten as necessary. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 888-218-3611 with recall number ACX-1703. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-533.

The Xpert and Xspotter recall affects Xpert trucks manufactured between March 23, 2015, and July 22, 2015, and Xspotter trucks manufactured between April 27, 2015, and May 26, 2015. As with the Xpeditor trucks, Autocar began notifying owners on Sept. 20. Owners can contact Autocar customer service at 877-777-5360 with recall number MDTT-1701. NHTSA’s recall number is 17V-534.