NHTSA (USA)Critical

February 22, 1996

1996 VOLVO WHLNHTSA Campaign #96V038000

STEERING:LINKAGES

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY CLASS 8 VEHICLES BUILT WITH A VOLVO 5.7 (12,500 LBS) FRONT STEERING AXLE. DUE TO HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT, THE FRONT STEERING AXLE KING PINS COULD HAVE BROKEN DURING ASSEMBLY. CONTINUED OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITH A BROKEN KING PIN COULD ALLOW THE PIN TO WORK LOOSE.

Safety Risk

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR A BROKEN KING PIN AND REPLACE THE KING PINS IF BROKEN.