January Recalls

Lots of activity this month. As previously reported, Pierce and HME along with others have joined the Meritor electronic stability control recall. Pierce (NHTSA recall #11V-527) began theirs around Dec. 16. Pierce can be reached at 920 832 3000. Their internal recall number is 74B226. Their report to NHTSA indicates that there are a total of 724 trucks involved.

HME (11V-545) has not provided a notification schedule but can be reached at 616 534 1463. Their report to NHTSA shows 346 trucks involved.

Pierce also has a recall out (11V-551) for certain 2005 and 2008-2011 Arrow XT, Custom Contender, Dash, Enforcer, Impel, Quantum, Saber and Velocity 75’ HAL (heavy aluminum ladder) fire apparatus bodies that may be equipped with dual SCBA cylinder storage compartments. The SCBA compartment door latch orientation may have been manufactured incorrectly, allowing the door to accidentally open while the vehicle is in motion.

 Pierce dealers will notify owners and will install a flat reinforcement plate that spans the length of the SCBA door. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on Dec. 5, 2011. Owners may contact Pierce at the number above. Pierce’s recall number is 74B186. Pierce’s report to NHTSA indicates that there are a total of 59 trucks involved.

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Baldwin Filters is recalling (11E-046) certain Baldwin and Hastings brand oil and fuel filters sold as aftermarket parts designed for use in a variety of small diesel engines used in light and medium duty applications such as pickup trucks, vans or buses. The defective oil/fuel filters were manufactured between July and October 2011. The gasket material loses the ability to resist permanent deformation under heat and load. As the event progresses, the gasket is no longer able to provide the necessary sealing capability. Fluid loss will subsequently occur.

Baldwin will retrofit the filter with new gaskets free of charge. Owners may contact Baldwin filters Service Engineering at 800 822 5394, Ext. 79729. A total of 130,529 units are affected.

This is another case where the manufacturer (Baldwin, in this case) will have no way of knowing who, as end user, bought these parts. They’re sold to users by parts houses or installing shops. They may have passed through several distributors, warehouses, etc. before winding up with the end user. So if you think you might have one, it’s going to be up to you to try to find out and get it taken care of. NHTSA’s web site has a list of the affected part numbers. Since I use Baldwin filters for many of my replacements here, I contacted my supplier. I was told that they were aware of the recall and have a list of the part numbers also.

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Meritor is recalling (11E-048) certain MFS-08 series non-drive front axles sold as original equipment to be installed on various heavy trucks.  During assembly, steering attachment bolts may have been insufficiently torqued. Insufficient torque of the steering arm bolts may result in bolt fatigue and fracture and/or arm separation.

Meritor is in the process of developing the notice and accompanying service instructions. The safety recall began on Nov. 23, 2011. Owners may contact Meritor at 800 535 5560. Meritor’s recall campaign number is C12AB. 162 units may be involved.  As with the ESC recalls, there may also be recalls issued by truck manufacturers.

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Ford is recalling (11E-047) certain replacement fuel tanks that could be installed into 2004 – 2008 E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans. The affected fuel tanks have an extra OBDII sensor hole on the top of the tank that may not be properly sealed and may leak fuel.

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel tanks free of charge. The safety recall began on Nov. 28, 2011. Owners may contact Ford Motor Co. Customer Relationship Center at 800 232 5952. Ford’s recall campaign number is 11S22. 17 units may be involved.

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Hino is recalling (11V-537) certain 2012 ND8J, NE8J, NJ8J and NV8J trucks. During assembly the wheel end retainer on the front or rear axle may have been installed incorrectly. The wheel hub and axle shaft can separate from the vehicle. Hino is in the process of developing a remedy and a notification schedule for this campaign.

Hino is also recalling (11V-549) certain 2012 NE8J trucks. During assembly, steering attachment bolts may have been insufficiently torqued. Insufficient torque of the steering arm bolts may result in bolt fatigue and fracture and/or arm separation. Hino is in the process of developing a remedy and a notification schedule for this campaign. 37 units may be involved.

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Daimler Trucks is recalling (11V-558) certain 2011 Western Star 4900 trucks equipped with Meritor axle assemblies. The weld that attaches a tower bracket to the housing in suspect assemblies may crack as a result of improper welding procedures.

Daimler Trucks dealers will inspect the axles for cracks and welds will be repaired as necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about Jan. 17, 2012. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks at 800 547 0712. 6 units may be involved.

That’s all for now. Just think, only three more weeks until pitchers and catchers report! And with that, the annual hibernation that begins with the end of the World Series can come to an end.
……….. Sam

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