Tie Rod Clamp Failure – 2021-2023 Alexis Fire Spartan Metro Star, FC-94 Fire Trucks

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November 29, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V879000

Tie Rod Clamp Failure

Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V879

Manufacturer Alexis Fire Equipment Company

Components STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 20

 

Summary

Alexis Fire Equipment Company (Alexis Fire) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Spartan Metro Star, FC-94 fire trucks. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to fail and allowing the tie rods to separate.

 

Remedy

Dealers will replace both tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Alexis Fire’s customer service at 1-309-482-6121.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 


This notice is sent to you as an Alexis Dealer in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Alexis Fire Equipment has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain fire apparatus built on Spartan chassis. Fire apparatus built on Spartan Gladiator, MetroStar, and FC-94 that were manufactured between 2021 – 2023 contain a tie rod clamp defect that may be susceptible to cracking and failure of the part. In response the tie rod clamp supplier, Meritor is issuing a NHTSA Recall No.: 22E-085 / Manufacturer Recall No.: C22AJ.
Using information provided by Spartan Fire, LLC. we have located customers in your assigned Alexis territory owning Spartan chassis with the identified defect.

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires that each vehicle, which is subject to a recall campaign of this type, must be satisfactorily repaired within a reasonable time after the owner has tendered it for repair. A failure to adequately repair within 60 days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. To avoid providing these problematic solutions, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each owner and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. Vehicle owners are being notified of this recall. If the condition is not remedied within a reasonable time, they are instructed on how to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

REASON FOR THIS RECALL

Spartan Fire, LLC. has issued a notice that certain Gladiator, Metro Star, and FC-94 chassis manufactured 2021 through 2023 contain a defective tie rod clamp provided by their supplier, Meritor. Based upon information provided by Meritor’s supplier, due to a heat treat issue, Meritor has determined that a population of tie rod clamps used in the manufacture of the subject axle population may be susceptible to cracking. Over time, a crack may lead to a complete fracture of the clamp, thereby reducing clamp load to the tie rod end. If both clamps on the tie rod were to fail, the cross tube could start to unscrew, vehicle alignment issues would evolve, and there is a potential for the tie rod end to separate from the cross tube. Separation is more likely to occur when tie rod loads are highest, which is at slow vehicle speeds over rough terrain or turning maneuvers.

This defect could result in separation of the tie rod end from the cross tube and could result in partial loss of vehicle steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash. The initial effect would be a vehicle out of alignment. If both clamps on the tie rod cracked, the tube could rotate and result in a partial loss of steering capability.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

Alexis Fire Equipment will be notifying customers owning products with the identified defect and assisting customers in scheduling a time to have the tie rod clamp replaced at no cost. We will be supplying dealers work instructions and parts to perform the recall.

 

DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY

Dealers are to provide to all customers/owner vehicles the service of completing this campaign at no charge to the customer/owner regardless of vehicle age, vehicle mileage, or ownership at the time of repair.

If you should have any questions please contact Alexis Fire Equipment at 1-800-322-2284.

 


Chronology :

11/22/2022- Spartan notification letter informing of Meritor safety recall

6/27/2022 – Meritor’s supplier shared an 8D related to the supplier’s investigation into cracks on tie rod clamps

7/5 – 7/29/2022 – Meritor’s engineering team developed and finalized a technical position regarding the cracked clamps issue.

7/28/2022 – Meritor’s PSAC council reviewed the technical position paper and decided to communicate the issue to its customers as a customer satisfaction issue.

9/16/2022 – Autocar, LLC filed a Part 573 Defect Information Report (DIR) related to this condition. See Recall No. 22V697.

9/22/2022 – Navistar filed a Part 573 Defect Information Report related to this condition. See Recall No. 22V711.

9/30/2022 – Based upon the Part 573 DIRs submitted by Autocar and Navistar, Meritor decided to file this DIR in accordance with 49.C.F.R. 573.3(f).

Meritor is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

 


22E085 – Tie Rod Clamp Failure – Meritor Front Non-Drive Steer Axles

 

22E085 – C22AJ – Tie Rod Clamp Failure – Meritor Front Non-Drive Steer Axles

 


6 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE MODEL YEAR
SPARTAN FIRE FC-94 2021-2023
SPARTAN FIRE METROSTAR 2021-2023

 


6 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-22V879-8118.pdf 646.422KB

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-22V879-9871.PDF 217.455KB

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V879-2857.pdf 262.033KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2022-4

RCLQRT-22V879-9236.PDF 211.115KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2023-1

RCLQRT-22V879-9284.PDF 211.217KB

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2023-2

RCLQRT-22V879-6460.PDF 211.3KB

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Latest Recalls Documents

For the Latest and Most Recent Recalls Information Visit the link below…

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=22V879&docType=RCL

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
Lisle 58100 Inner Tie Rod Tool Set, 12 Pc
  • The long socket slips over tie rod end and crows footengages on socket for easy removal and installation of tierods with inaccessible wrench flats.
  • Includes 12 crowsfeet, sizes 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-1/2", 1-5/16", 1-7/16", 29mm,32.5mm, 33.6mm, 38.4mm, 40mm and 42mm
  • fits many cars, trucks and SUVs.
  • fit type: Vehicle Specific
SaleBestseller No. 2
VEVOR Inner Tie Rod Tool Kit, Inner Tie Rod Tool Set with 12 Pcs Crowfoot Adapters, 1/2 Inch Drive Tube Tie Rods Tool, Heavy-Duty 13 Pcs Steel Inner Tie Rod Removal Tool for Vehicle Repair
  • Universal Tie Rod Removal Tool: Designed for secure and effectual removal of the inner rod. The inner rod can be easily removed and installed without removing the rack and pinion. Applicable to most domestic and imported vehicles, including cars, pickups, and off-road vehicles.
  • All-steel Forged: Our tie rod drawing tools and adapters are made of durable, all-steel forging that ensures long-lasting use. The flexible sliding collar on the sleeve's top securely holds the crowd feet adapters in place, while its compatibility with 1/2" drive wrenches allows you to install parts that ordinary wrenches cannot handle. Additionally, the knurled handle provides a firm grip for optimal control at all times.
  • 12 Pcs Crowfoot Adapters: This tie rod kit Includes 12 sizes of crowfoot-style adapters: 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/ 16", 1-1/2" and 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm. To get all your work done quickly and efficiently.
  • Hassle-Free Operation: The entire operation is effortless. Step 1: Slide the adapter on the plane of the lever. Step 2: Rotate the collar to fix the fishtail joint in place. Step 3: Use a 1/2 inch ratchet or impact wrench to the end hole.
  • Effortless Organization: The product is equipped with a case to facilitate your orderly storage and is convenient for you to carry. Help you deal with emergencies of vehicle repair at any time.
SaleBestseller No. 3
OEMTOOLS 27178 Master Inner Tie Rod Tool Set, Remove & Install Tie Rods in Cars, Pickups, and SUVs, Includes 12 Crowfoot Adapters & 1/2 Inch Drive Tube
  • INNER TIE ROD REMOVAL TOOL SET: This tie rod kit Includes 12 sizes of crowfoot-style adapters: 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/16", 1-1/2" and 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm; Easily remove most inner tie rod ends
  • ULTRA DURABLE: Tie rod puller tool's crowfoot adapters are nickel plated for durability; Work the inner tie rod tool kit on your tierod end with the confidence that your tie rod set won't bend or break during use; Get the most from our tie rods tool
  • WIDELY USEFUL INNER TIE ROD TOOL: Be sure you have an inner tie rod kit that can easily reach your inner tie rod without removing the rack and pinion; Tube handle inner diameter is 2.125 in. to service small cars, pick-ups, and SUVs
  • USE A RATCHET OR BREAKER BAR: Properly torque the inner tie rod remover on the tie rod end without hassle; Tie rod end puller's 1/2 Inch drive tube handle makes it easy to remove and re-install tie rod ends; Tie rod puller kit gives you proper reach
  • EFFORTLESS ORGANIZATION: OEM Tools inner tie rod tool can be taken anywhere easily; Tie rod end removal tool comes in a blow mold case for easy organization; The inner tie rod end tool is portable for use on tie rod inner ends on your family's fleet
SaleBestseller No. 4
OMT 5pc Ball Joint Separator, Pitman Arm Puller, Tie Rod End Tool Set for Front End Service, Splitter Removal Kit (BL06)
  • 1. ALL IN ONE FRONT END SERVICE KIT: Containing 5 adjustable tools for a wide range of domestic and import vehicles. Comes with 1x Ball Joint Separator, 1x Tie Rod and Ball Joint Remover, 1x Conical Pitman Arm Puller, 1x Pitman Arm and Tie Rod End Puller, 1x Pitman Arm Puller, 1x well-organized ABS case.
  • 2. HARDENED ALLOY CONSTRUCTION: Extraordinarily tough and durable alloy means these tools can stand up to the toughest jobs. This front end service tool kit can remove the most stubborn ball joints, tie rod ends, and pitman arms.
  • 3. UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES: The versatile design allows this tool to be used as a pitman arm remover, ball joint separator, or tie rod end puller for many small, domestic rear-wheel-drive vehicles, import vehicles, and light trucks.
  • 4. PROFESSIONAL PORTABLE ABS CASE: The custom-molded case is crafted from high-quality ABS hard plastic for the amateur or professional mechanic on the go. Conveniently keeps all your tools in one organized and secure place. Never miss out on a job or project from a misplaced tool.
  • 5. ORION MOTOR TECH PROMISE: If any issues from our tools arise please don’t hesitate to contact us. We guarantee the quality of our tools and want to ensure you’re only getting the best. Because to do perform your best, you deserve the best, that’s our Orion Motor Tech Promise.
Bestseller No. 5
Orion Motor Tech Inner Tie Rod Removal Tool Kit, Inner Tie Rod Tool for Tie Rod Removal and Installation, Master Inner Tie Rod Tool Set with 12 Crowfoot Adapters 1/2 Inch Drive Tube
  • INNER TIE ROD REMOVAL TOOL: This Orion Motor Tech inner tie rod removal tool set lets you remove and install inner tie rods without removing the rack and pinion; the 1/2 Inch drive tube handle with a 2.1 in inner diameter allows servicing on small cars, pick-ups, and SUVs
  • 12 CROWFOOT ADAPTERS: The 12 crowfoot adapters cover most common SAE and metric sizes of 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/16", 1-1/2", 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm, and 42 mm
  • UNIQUE DESIGN: Our inner tie rod remover's 20 inch tube handle lets you remove and install inner tie rods in places where sockets and wrenches can’t fit; works on inner tie rods with inaccessible wrench flats
  • SUPERIOR DURABILITY: Our tie rod drawing tools and adapters are steel forged for lasting strength; the flexible sliding collar at the top of the sleeve tightly attaches the crowd feet adapters
  • HASSLE-FEE OPERATION: Thanks to intuitive design and clear instructions our rod removal set is easy to use; select the right adapter, slide it over the tie rod, click the tool and adapter together, then use a 1/2 inch ratchet or impact wrench to remove the rod
SaleBestseller No. 6
OTC (6275) Tie Rod/Pitman Arm Adjusting Set
Bestseller No. 7
Orion Motor Tech OMT 5-in-1 Ball Joint Separator, Pitman Arm Puller, Tie Rod End Tool Set for Front End Service, Splitter Removal Kit (RD06)
  • ALL IN ONE FRONT END SERVICE KIT: Containing 5 adjustable tools for a wide range of domestic and import vehicles. Comes with 1x Ball Joint Separator, 1x Tie Rod and Ball Joint Remover, 1x Conical Pitman Arm Puller, 1x Pitman Arm and Tie Rod End Puller, 1x Pitman Arm Puller, 1x well-organized ABS case.
  • HARDENED ALLOY CONSTRUCTION: Extraordinarily tough and durable alloy means these tools can stand up to the toughest jobs. This front end service tool kit can remove the most stubborn ball joints, tie rod ends, and pitman arms.
  • UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES: The versatile design allows this tool to be used as a pitman arm remover, ball joint separator, or tie rod end puller for many small, domestic rear-wheel-drive vehicles, import vehicles, and light trucks.
  • PROFESSIONAL PORTABLE ABS CASE: The custom-molded case is crafted from high-quality ABS hard plastic for the amateur or professional mechanic on the go. Conveniently keeps all your tools in one organized and secure place. Never miss out on a job or project from a misplaced tool.
  • ORION MOTOR TECH PROMISE: If any issues from our tools arise please don’t hesitate to contact us. We guarantee the quality of our tools and want to ensure you’re only getting the best. Because to do perform your best, you deserve the best, that’s our Orion Motor Tech Promise.
Bestseller No. 8
ABN 1/2 Inch Drive SAE Inner Tie Rod Removal Tool Kit – Inner Tie Rod Tool Set with Tie Rod Puller Tool and 3 Adapters
  • [Perform Maintenance on Your Vehicle]: The ABN Master Inner Tie Rod Tool Removal 4-Piece Kit allows you to save time to make adjustments without removing the rack and pinion to access hard-to-reach tie rods
  • [For Your Toolkit]: With its 1/2-inch square drive, this tie rod remover tool will work with your existing 1/2-inch drive wrench (not for power tools); Constructed from black coated steel for maximum strength and longevity
  • [Fits Your Vehicle]: 1 3/16-inch adapter compatible with most front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles with new style tie rods; 1 5/16-inch adapter compatible with most rear wheel drive (RWD) and vehicles with racks and pinion power steering; 1 7/16-inch adapter compatible with most cars with saginaw in steering gear
  • [Easy Storage]: No need to worry about tie rod end removal tool kit parts getting lost in your workshop; Heavy-duty 16.75 x 2.25 x 7.5 inch (42.5 x 5.7 x 19.1cm) plastic blow-molded carrying case with 2 latches and built-in handle for easy transportation, safe storage, and quick organization
  • [Package Contents]: Tie rod end removal tool set includes (1) dual socket rapid slide collar inner tie rod tool (1‐3/16-inch and 1‐5/16-inch hex), (3) adaptors (1‐3/16, 1‐5/1, 1‐7/16 inch adapters with 1‐5/16 inch hex), and (1) carrying case for your convenience
Bestseller No. 9
Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Separator, Pitman Arm Puller, Tie Rod End Tool Set for Front End Service, 3pc Heavy Duty Pitman Arm, Tie Rod Puller, and Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit with Case
  • FRONT END SERVICE KIT: This 3 piece ball joint removal tool set from Orion Motor Tech includes lever and scissor style ball joint separators and a conical pitman arm puller so you can quickly and safely remove standard pitman arms, outer tie rods, and ball joints without the damage often caused by hammers and pickle forks
  • VERSATILE FITMENT: The pitman arm tool has a 0.8" (20mm) jaw spread and depth; the levered ball joint separator has a 0.9" (21.6mm) jaw spread, 0.8" (19.5mm) jaw depth, and 2.2" (55mm) max opening; and the scissor-style ball joint puller & tie rod end tool has a 0.8" (19mm) jaw spread, 1.3" (33mm) jaw depth, and 2.1" (52.5mm) max opening
  • NEAR UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: These rugged and highly adjustable ball joint separator tools fit the steering and suspension systems of hundreds of makes and models, including most American, European, and Japanese cars, light trucks, SUVs, and ATVs
  • POWERFUL LEVERAGE: Our heat-hardened alloy steel tools and their forcing screws coated in corrosion-resistant black oxide will give you outstanding durability and performance, so your ball joint kit will have the strength to remove even the most stubborn, stuck, and seized parts time after time
  • CONVENIENT ORGANIZATION: The custom molded case is crafted from ABS hard plastic for the amateur or professional mechanic on the go; never miss a job, with everything well organized for storage or transport
Bestseller No. 10
Toolwiz Inner Tie Rod Removal Tool, 3/8'' Universal Low Profile Tool and Inner Tie Rod Hex Wrench Repair Removal Tools 27-42mm Tie Rod End Wrench Tool with 1/2" Drive Universal Tie Rod Tool Kit Black
  • Tool 1: Toolwiz 3/8" Inner Tie Rod Tool turns tie rods easily. Able to remove the inner tie rod without removing the outer tie rod. Convenient tool for servicing inner tie rods to easily remove, repair & install
  • Tool 1: Suitable for all standard tie rods with smooth cylinder ends; It will work on any rod that fits between the 3'' top and bottom components with both 9/16” nuts screwed on and tightened
  • Tool 2: 1/2" Square drive tie rod removal tool by Toolwiz is suitable for tie rods between 27mm and 42mm in diameter. Easily removes inner tie rod ends without removing the rack and pinion
  • Tool 2: Toolwiz Tie rod end remover tool is designed to universally fit for all vehicles and is compatible with Mercedes, Benz, BMW, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, etc.
  • Strong Grip Force: The teeth of the inner tie rod tool firmly grip the tie rod as you insert a socket wrench or breaker bar and turn it as needed, No more trouble taking the inner tie rod off your rack and the pinion. Very sturdy and bites into the tie rod nicely

Last update on 2024-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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