2003–2004 Western Star 4900EX, 2003–2004 Western Star 4900FA, 2003–2004 Western Star 4900SA Recall: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND TRUCK-TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH TRW DRAG LINK…

The defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND TRUCK-TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH TRW DRAG LINK ASSEMBLIES, THE REPLACEMENT CLAMP AND DRAG LINK ASSEMBLIES CONTAIN A POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE 5/8-11-GRADE B PREVAILING TORQUE HEX NUT. IF THE FINAL TIGHTENING IS LESS THAN 65 LB.-FT., THE CLAMP LOAD WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLY LOW AND COULD COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE DRAG LINK.

The risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN THE BALL SOCKET SEPARATING AND CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY OR A CRASH.

The fix — what to do

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HEX NUT(S). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. 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.

FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO. FL422.CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).