Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024:
Paccar is recalling more than 47,000 trucks due to an issue that could result in a loss of steering control, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall impacts approximately 47,208 model year 2024-‘25 Kenworth T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, L770 and W990 models, along with model year 2024-‘25 Peterbilt 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579 and 589 trucks.
In the affected units, Paccar said the steering gear assemblies may have been assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required, which may result in a loss of steering control.
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 25. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 24PBC and/or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 24KWC. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-044.
Paccar also recalled an additional 47 units for a separate issue. In certain 2024 Peterbilt 389, 520, 567, and Kenworth T880 trucks, the bearing journals may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle assemblies, preventing the proper installation of the wheel end hub assemblies. An improperly installed wheel end hub assembly can leak oil, causing the axle spindles to loosen or fracture and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering knuckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 25. Owners can contact Peterbilt customer service with recall number 24PBB and/or Kenworth customer with recall number 24KWB. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-043.
