2005–2006 Oshkosh S-Series Recall: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES, THE TORQUE…

The defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLE ASSEMBLIES, THE TORQUE ROD TOWER HAS A NONCONFORMING LOCATION AND WELD. THE WELD CAN CRACK, LEADING TO THE TANDEM AXLE LOSING ITS ANCHOR POINT, CAUSING THE DRIVELINE TO BEND TO AN ANGLE OUTSIDE ITS OPERATING PERIMETERS.

The risk

IN TURN, THIS CAN RESULT IN THE DRIVELINE BREAKING OR FORCING THE ENGINE TO STOP. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THE TANDEM AXLE TO DROP TO THE GROUND AND TURN UNDER THE VEHICLE CREATING A CONDITION THAT MIGHT INCLUDE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

The fix — what to do

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE TOWERS ON THE REAR TANDEM AND, IF CRACKS ARE FOUND, THE TORQUE TOWER WILL BE REWELDED ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTIONS. OSHKOSH HAS TELEPHONED ALL OWNERS IN SEPTEMBER 2006, ADVISING THEM THAT UNTIL THE TORQUE TOWER IS REWELDED, OWNERS SHOULD INSPECT FOR CRACKS AT THE BASE OF THE TORQUE TOWERS ON THE REAR TANDEM ON A WEEKLY BASIS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT OSHKOSH AT 1-920-233-9427.

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.