Recalls for 1997 Freightliner Century

DEFECT #1 - SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

Posted on: 2000-08-09
Description
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks and school bus chassis built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu), there have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Consequence
This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels.  This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Notes
Owner notification began august 29, 2000, to school buses and emergency vehicle customers.  Owners of the remaining population were sent letters on september 9, 2000.  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.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

DEFECT #2 - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Posted on: 1998-12-23
Description
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks.  The windshield wiper connecting linkage sockets can wear out prematurely due to insufficient greasing during assembly.

Consequence
This can lead to a separation of the linkage and loss of wiper function, impairing the driver's visibility.

Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the connecting linkages with new links that are properly lubricated.

Notes
Owner notification began april 20, 1999.  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.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

DEFECT #3 - SUSPENSION:FRONT

Posted on: 1998-04-28
Description
Vehicle description: heavy duty trucks equipped with meritor interaxle driveline u-joints.  Deflector rings, a part of the system to seal the u-joints from contaminates, are loose.  This allows water to enter the u-joint bearing area result in dilution of the lubricant, oxidation of the bearing and seal surfaces, and loss of lubricant.

Consequence
If this problem goes undetected, the interaxle driveline can separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the u-joints with the current design u-joints.

Notes
Owner notification will be conducted in two phases.the first phase is expected to begin july 13, 1998.  The second phase will begin august 8, 1998.  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.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

DEFECT #4 - STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR

Posted on: 1997-07-29
Description
Vehicle description: heavy duty truck.  Leaks through the firewall or steering shaft boots allows water to run down the steering shaft.  The steering shaft slip spline corrodes causing it to seize.

Consequence
Increased steering effort can result increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the steering shaft with a new design that is installed in an inverted orientation so no water can enter the splines.

Notes
Owner notification:owner notification began july 30, 1997.  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 1-503-735-8682.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.