Oshkosh Corporation: Safety Recalls in 1985

AN ERROR IN THE INSTALLATION OF THE BRAKE AIR LINE RESULTED IN CONNECTING THE FRONT AND REAR AIR BRAKE SUPPLY TANKS IN SERIES WITHOUT A CHECK VALVE BETWEEN THEM. IF AN AIR LEAK DEVELOPS IN EITHER THE FRONT OR REAR BRAKE SYSTEM, BOTH TANKS WOULD BE DEPLETED OF AIR CAUSING BOTH BRAKE SYSTEMS TO BE INOPERATIVE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A TRUCK WITHOUT INDEPENDENT FRONT AND REAR BRAKE SYSTEMS IS IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 121, AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS, WHICH PROVIDES SUCH A SYSTEM TO REDUCE HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS.

THE AIR SYSTEM SERVICE RELAY SUPPLY LINE ON THE #2 AXLE IS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED INTO THE FRONT AIR SYSTEM RESERVOIR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF FRONT SERVICE BRAKES WERE TO FAIL, THE SECONDARY, OR EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM FOR THE #2 AXLE, WOULD NOT WORK. THIS WOULD LEAD TO A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CORRECTIVE ACTION. REINSTALL THE AIR HOSES INTO THE REAR AIR SYSTEM RESERVOIR.

CERTAIN FRONT DRIVE STEERING ASSEMBLIES MAY CONTAIN A FAULTY WELD AT THE AXLE BALL FLANGE AND HOUSING CONNECTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: WELD FAILURE COULD RESULT IN COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL, TIRE, BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND STEERING KNUCKLE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND POTENTIAL VEHICLE CRASH.

LOOSENESS MAY DEVELOP AT THE ATTACHMENT (BALL JOINT) OF THE DRAG LINK TO THE STEERING ARM DUE TO AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED RETAINING NUT. THIS CAN WEAR THE STEERING ARM HOLE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING LOOSENESS COULD CAUSE HANDLING DIFFICULTY WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.