FLXIBLE 35096 1978: SUSPENSION

General Information

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 79V044000

Make Model Year
FLXIBLE 35096 1978
Date Owners Notified Date Received by ODI Date Added to Database
1979-01-23 1979-01-05 1979-10-12

Production Dates: 1976-11-01 - 1978-12-01

Manufacturers Involved: FLXIBLE CORPORATION

Component: SUSPENSION

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 1100

Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report

Summary

A HARDENED WASHER REQUIRED IN MOUNTING THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET TO THE TOP OF THE FRONT AXLE WAS OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY. THE OMISSION OF THE HARDENED WASHER COULD CAUSE A GAP UP TO .063" BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE MOUNTING FLANGE AND THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY. THIS GAP WILL PREVENT THE SPECIFIED CLAMPING FORCES FROM BEING APPLIED TO THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET. THE INABILITY TO CORRECTLY CLAMP THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET TO THE AXLE COULD CAUSE ABNORMAL STRESS LOADS TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRACKET DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CONTINUED OPERATION UNDER THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN VERTICAL BRACKET FRACTURE. IF COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET OCCURRED, THE FRONT AXLE COULD SHIFT, CAUSING BINDING AND RUBBING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND, EVENTUALLY, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE BRACKETS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; AXLE RADIUS ROD.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEACCIDENT AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES.