FL866 - Steer Axle Spindle Nut Snap-Ring Installation - 2020-2021 Freightliner Cascadia, 2021 Freightliner 108SD, 114SD & Business Class M2 & Western Star 4700, 4900 & 5700

Defect Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-866
Date of Submission: 10/27/2020
Manufacturer: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Model Yr. Start: 2020 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Freightliner
Model: Cascadia
Model Yr. Start: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Freightliner
Model: 108SD
Model Yr. Start: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Freightliner
Model: 114SD
Model Yr. Start: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Freightliner
Model: Business Class M2
Model Yr. Start: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Western Star
Model: 4700
Model Yr. Start: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Western Star
Model: 4900
Model Yr. Start: 2021 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Western Star
Model: 5700
Production Dates: Begin: 06/01/2020
End: 10/01/2020
Descriptive Information: As defined by axle assembler for operators’ tenure at station
Number potentially involved: 1411 Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 2.73%
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance:
Steer axle spindle nut snap-ring locking feature may be partially mis-installed or missing from LH spindle
nut of hub at spindle
If a noncompliance, provide the applicable FMVSS: NA
⃝ Check if this recall only affects products in certain geographic regions.
Describe the safety risk:
Wheel-end failure and potentially wheel-off/separation condition
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component. NA
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the
noncompliance decision: In September of 2020, DTNA was made aware of a single failure where a
snap-ring had become dislodged from the spindle nut via a field report. The customer notified DTNA of
three additional vehicles with mis-installed snap-rings. The axle assembly supplier began inspecting axles
and found two with partially ‘unseated’ snap-rings during a truck plant inspection. The investigation
revealed two axle assembly operators had not been fully trained on the installation of the snap ring.
Over the course of September 2020, DTNA engaged the axle assembly supplier to determine a
population. Based on the best available information currently, DTNA has developed the population cited
in this DIR/DIN; we will continue to work to define the population. October 2020, with an abundance of
caution, DTNA reasonably decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for
reimbursement.
Inspection via hub cap plug, reinstallation or replacement of snap-ring as needed. Inspection of the RH
wheel end snap ring will be recommended at the same time. Repairs will be performed by Daimler
Trucks North America authorized service facilities. Customer notification will be done by first class mail
using Daimler Trucks North America records to determine the customers affected. Details of the
reimbursement plan will be included in the owner’s notification letter.
Identify the Recall Schedule
Describe the recall schedule for notifications.:
Customer notification will be made by first class mail using Daimler Trucks North America records to
determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 12/24/2020
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 12/24/2020
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 12/24/2020
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 12/24/2020
Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-866
DTNA Representative;
Larissa Stoffels
Executive Manager, Vehicle Safety
Compliance and Regulatory Affairs