Inner Bearing Missing on Axle – 2021 PJ Trailers C4, U8, UL, U6, & UC Trailers

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February 8, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V061000

A missing inner bearing can cause excessive vibration, which over time could result in wheel separation, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V061

Manufacturer PJ Trailers

Components SUSPENSION, EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 405

Summary

PJ Trailers is recalling certain 2021 C4, U8, UL, U6, and UC trailers equipped with axles that may have missing inner bearings.

Remedy

PJ Trailers will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailer axles and replace the idler axles, hub subassemblies, washers, and dust covers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2021. Owners may contact PJ Trailers customer service at 1-866-752-8781.

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.safercar.gov.

SUBJECT: DEXTER AXLE Inspection/ Replacement

SERVICE RECALL # 21V061

Purpose: PJ Trailers is conducting a voluntary RECALL notification campaign in accordance with the National Highway Transportation and Safety Act. It has been decided certain Dexter Idler axles with axle S/N 622463901 & 622463906 and installed as original equipment 2021 PJ Trailers may potentially have hubs missing the inner bearing. If an axle is found to have a missing inner bearing after inspection per PJ Trailers Service Alert Bulletin Dated 9-Feb-2021, please contact PJ Trailers per the recall notification to arrange for a replacement axle.

Models affected

C4, U6, U8, UC, & UL

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS

1) For specific trailers show on the list attached, identify the axle serial number by looking at the label attached to the axle (see below defined by first 9 digits):

2) If the axle serial number matches the suspect lots (622463901 or 622463906), then place a ‘hold’ on the trailer until an evaluation is completed to confirm the presence of the inner bearing.

3) Wheel-end evaluation: (0.5 hours for evaluation allotted for labor reimbursement through PJ by Dexter)

a. Axle with idler hub (no wheel attached): grasp the outer diameter of the idler hub and attempt to move the hub inboard and/or outboard parallel to the axle beam. Movement greater than 1/8” should be considered an inner bearing ‘non-conforming’ hub assembly. There will be a noticeable ‘wobble’ of the hub on the spindle,

b. Axle with wheel attached: While the trailer is sitting on the ground, grasp the top of the tire and attempt to move the entire wheel-end inboard and/or outboard. Excessive movement of the wheel-end and/or audible metal-to-metal noise will indicate a potential inner bearing and nonconforming hub assembly. If the evaluation is inconclusive, remove the wheel from the hub and follow step a).

AXLE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Parts Required per Unit:

1 or 2 Axles with Idler hubs installed– parts supplied by Dexter Axle U-Bolts and nuts-parts supplied by PJ Trailers (to be reimbursed by Dexter Axle to PJ Trailers)

Tools Required:

1 Impact Wrench – ½” drive

1 Torque Wrench – ½” drive

1 Deep Socket 3/4” x ½” drive

1 Deep Socket 7/8” x ½” drive

2 Bottle Jack adequate to lift trailer weight

Wood block for under bottle jacks

1 wrench open or box 13/16”

Wheel chocks

Flashlight

1 wire stripper 1 wire crimper

1 hammer

2 drift pins

Adequate personal protection equipment

Section I:PREPARING THE TRAILER

Step 1

If it is a trailer with suspect axles; locate the trailer on a level, flat, hard surface. Chock the wheels.

Step 2

Use a bottle jack of sufficient capacity to raise one side of the trailer. Place the bottle jack under the main frame rail behind the rear spring hanger, leaving enough room to install a jack stand immediately behind the spring hanger with the wheels off the ground.

Caution: To raise the unit, jack the trailer up only on the frame and never on the axle.

Do not apply load to the axle

Step 3

Block the wheels on opposite side to be raised with wheel chocks or wood blocks.

Step 4

Jack stands should be placed on the front 2 corners of the deck frame for tandem axle replacement.

The Jack stands should be placed on the front and rear corners of the deck frame for a single axle replacement.

Caution: Do not extend any body part under trailer until all jack stands are securely in place.

Step 5

Install a jack stand of sufficient capacity directly behind the rear spring hanger.

Step 6

Repeat Steps 4 – 5 for the other side of the trailer.

Step 7

With the tires now slightly off the ground remove the lug nuts and the wheels from the trailer on one axle at a time.

Section II:AXLE REPLACEMENT

Step 1

Support one of the axle tubes with a floor jack. (Do not apply load the axle tube)

Step 2

Disconnect the brake wires for the axle from the trailer wiring harness that runs along the inside of the frame on the off-door side of the vehicle. Note: Do not disconnect the wires at the back of the brake assembly.

Step 3

Remove the U-bolts and nuts attaching the axle to the spring. Lower the axle assembly and remove from unit.

Step 4

Slide the new axle under the trailer positioned so the free end of the brake wires on the axle can be connected to the trailer brake wiring harness on the off-door side.

Step 5

Reattach axle to springs using U-bolts and nuts. Torque U-bolt nuts to 65 ft/lbs.

Step 6

Reattach the brake wiring disconnected in Step 2 from the axle to the trailer wire harness using new wire connectors.

Step 7

Re-install tires on new axle

Step 8

Repeat steps 1 – 7 for the other axle(s).

Section III:WHEEL ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION

Step 1

Start the lug nuts on each stud by hand.

Step 2

You must use the star pattern and torque wrench when tightening the lug nuts to the wheel. This sequencing pattern shows how to progressively tighten the lug nuts to best achieve the proper torques and clamp load.

Step 3

Using the star pattern outlined above, tighten the lug nuts until the 1st stage torque (2025 ft-lbs) are properly positioned in the tapered seats of the wheel.

	Wheel Torque Requirements
1st Stage	2nd Stage	3rd Stage
20-25 ft-lbs	50-60 ft-lbs	115 ft-lbs

Step 4

Using the star pattern outlined, tighten the lug nuts until the 2_ndstage torque (50-60 ftlbs) outlined is achieved.

Step 5

Lower the trailer to the ground.

Step 6

Using the star pattern outlined, tighten the lug nuts until the 3_rdand final stage (115 ftlbs) is achieved.

Step 7

Use a dial or digital torque wrench to verify that the proper amount of torque has been applied.

SERVICE ALERT BULLETIN
Alert Subject: D35 Axles with Idler Hubs	Component: Idler Hub
Initiated/created by: Approved per 2-10-21 email-Rob Gelven	Date: 9-Feb-2021
Problem Description: PJ Trailers with idler axles may potentially have hubs missing inner bearing. The suspect axles are labeled with Dexter Axle Serial Numbers: 622463901 & 622463906 attached to the axle tube. PJ Trailer Models Potential Impacted: C4, C5, U6, U8, UC & UL	Idler Hub:

Containment:

1) For specific trailers shown on the list attached, identify the axle serial number by looking at the label attached to the axle (see below defined by first 9 digits):

2) If the axle serial number matches the suspect lots (622463901 or 622463906), then evaluate the axle to confirm the presence of the inner bearing by one (1) of the methods below.

3) Wheel-end evaluation:

b. Axle with wheel attached: While the trailer is sitting on the ground, grasp the top of the tire and attempt to move the entire wheel-end inboard and/or outboard. Excessive movement of the wheel-end and/or audible metal-to-metal noise will indicate a potential inner bearing ‘nonconforming’ hub assembly. If the evaluation is inconclusive, remove the wheel from the hub and follow step a).

4) All units that are confirmed with a hub missing the inner bearing should have the axle assembly replaced. Contact recall@pjtrailer.com to initiate axle replacement. Provide axle serial number affected and associate trailer VIN number.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

This notice applies to your motor· vehicle equipment,

VIN: 3CVU81 / Model: U8

Date: March 25, 2021

Safety Recall Number: 21V061

Subject: Recall for inspection of Dexter Axle hub for potential missing inner bearing

Dear Jared Fisher,

This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. (PJ Trailers), has concluded that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2021 PJ Trailers Models (C4, U6, U8, UC, UL). A failure of the hub subassembly on the Idler Axle from Dexter Axle could result in accidental damage to include personal injury, death and/or property damage.

Your trailer has been identified as one that is included in this recall. You are advised not to use the trailer for any purpose and to immediately contact PJ Trailers to schedule the required inspection and potential axle replacement (only performed if the inspection fails). Please con tact PJ Trailers Warranty Team by phone at (888)330-8106 or by email recall@ pitrailers.com immediately to schedule the inspection.

The defect will be remedied by your authorized PJ Trailers dealer or representative by inspecting the axle hub for the inner bearing presence. If the inspect ion fails (i.e., inner bearing is missing) the dealer will replace the axle. The inspection will take approximately 10 minutes to perform and if the inspection fails, the axle will be replaced, which will take about l hour to complete. However, additional time may be required depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed. To make the appointment to schedule the necessary inspection and potential axle replacement, which will be performed at no charge to you, please do the following:

Call PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. toll-free at (888)330-8106 or via email recall@pitrailers.com for the location of your closest PJ Trailers dealer, or authorized representative, who will perform the inspection and potential axle replacement. You should call the same number if you have any problem obtaining the needed repair. DO NOT USE THE TRAILER FOR ANY PURPOSE.

If you had the axle replaced before you received this letter , you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. For more information contact PJ Trailers at (888)330-8106 or via email recall@pjtrailers.com.

Upon completion of the necessary inspection and potential axle replacement, the dealer or PJ Trailers authorized representative will notify PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. that your trailer has been inspected and if it required the axle to be replaced or not.

If you no longer own the subject trailer, please provide PJ Trailers with the new owner’s information (if known), either by mail to the address listed above, via email recall@pjtra ilers.com or by fax to (903)785-6898. If the new owner information is unknown, simply notify PJ Trailers that you no longer own the subject trailer.

If you believe that PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. has failed or is unable to remedy the potential defect without charge within, a reasonable time, you may submit a complaint to:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20590

or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888 -327- 4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to

https://www.safercar.gov

Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

We regret any inconvenience, which this action may cause you. This program is being carried out to ensure your safety.

Your prompt attention to this important matter is appreciated. Sincerely ,

PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc.

SEOCONTENT-START

P..I TRAILERS
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Date: February 22, 2021
To: At the Beach RV & Trailer
806 US 501C
Conway, SC 29526
Subject: Safety Recall Campaign 21 V061
Involving: 2021 PJ Trailers – Models C4, U6, U8, UC, UL
1807 FM 2352
Sumner, TX 75486 Q
(903) 785-6879 \.
(903) 785-6898 Ii
www.pjtrailers.com c9
PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. (PJ Trailers), has decided that a defect, which relates to
motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2021 PJ Trailers Models (C4, U6, U8, UC, UL). A
failure of the hub subassembly on the Idler Axle from Dexter Axle could result in
accidental damage to include personal injury, death and/or property damage.
Important: Enclosed as Attachment 1 is a listing of the affected trailers identified
by VIN that our records indicate were shipped to you. Some of the involved trailers
may still be in your inventory. Federal law requires you to complete the recall service on
those trailers still in your inventory before retail delivery. Dealer should immediately
notify P J Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. of the name and address of each person or
entity to whom the Dealer has sold or delivered one of the affected trailers. Please
provide this information to PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. immediately using the form in
Attachment 1 and direct this to PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc., ATTN: Recall Office, via
mail to 1807 FM 2352, Sumner, Texas 75486; via fax to (903)785-6898; or via email to
recall@pjtrailers.com. When P J Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. receives this information,
those persons or entities will be notified by mail about the recall and will be instructed to
contact PJ Trailer Manufacturing, Inc. toll free at (888)330-8106; or by email at
recall@pjtrailers.com to schedule the required recall service.
Instructions regarding the inspection and potential replacement of the Dexter Axle
Idler Axle are outlined in the attached Service Alert Bulletin. Contact PJ Trailers’
Warranty Department with any questions regarding the inspection and/or repair toll free
at (888)330-8106 or by email at recall@pjtrailer.com.
P..I TRAILER§
1807 FM 2352
Sumner, TX 75486 O
(903) 785-6879 \.
(903) 785-6898 Ii
www.pjtrailers.com 6>
PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. is providing you with a Repair Confirmation Form.
Complete this form for each axle replacement you perform. Upon finalizing the necessary
replacements, you are required to return the completed Repair Confirmation Form to P J
Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. via facsimile at (903)785-6898 or email at
recall@pjtrailers.com. The PJ Trailers Warranty Team will then contact you to arrange
for the return of the axle( s) that were removed per the attached Service Alert Bulletin. All
return shipping expenses will be paid for/reimbursed to you by P J Trailers
Manufacturing, Inc. upon shipment of the removed axle(s) to Dexter Axle.
When P J Trailers Manufacturing, Inc. has received the completed Repair Confirmation
Form and the shipment notification of the removed axles to Dexter Axle, you will be
reimbursed for the repairs performed. PJ Trailers estimates it will take approximately 1.0
hour to complete the necessary repair and will require a replacement Idler Axle from
Dexter Axle (including the idler hub).
Please be reminded that it is a violation of Federal law for you to sell or lease any of the
affected trailers covered by this notification until this recall has been performed on the
affected trailer. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.
If you have questions concerning this recall, please contact the P J Trailers Warranty
Department via email at recall@pjtrailers.com or at (888)330-8106.
Your immediate assistance in this important effort is appreciated.
P J Trailers Manufacturing, Inc.
Encl: Attachment 1 – List of Affected Trailers Shipped to you
Service Alert Bulletin
Repair Confirmation Form
PJTRAILER!i
Attachment 1
List of Affected Trailers Shipped to At the Beach RV & Trailer:
VIN I 3CVUC1221M2620377 In Inventory? ID I Sold? I DI Date I
Customer Name
Address
City / State / Zip
Phone I I Email I
VIN I 3CVUC1428M262087 In Inventory? ID I Sold? I DI Date I
Customer Name
Address
City / State / Zip
Phone I I Email I
VIN I 3CVUC1625M2620392 In Inventory? ID I Sold? ID I Date I
Customer Name
Address
City / State / Zip
Phone I I Email I
VIN I 3CVUC0828M2620457 In Inventory? ID I Sold? I DI Date I
Customer Name
Address
City / State / Zip
Phone I I Email I
VIN I 3CVUC1028M2620458 In Inventory? ID I Sold? ID I Date I
Customer Name
Address
City / State / Zip
Phone I I Email I
1807 FM 2352
Sumner, TX 7 5486 9
(903) 785-6879 \.
(903) 785-6898 Ii
www.pjtrailers.com ‘5’
SERVICE ALERT
BULLETIN
Alert Subject: D35 Axles with Idler Hubs
Initiated/created by: Approved per 2-10-21 email-Rob Gelven
Problem Description:
P J Trailers with idler axles may
potentially have hubs missing inner
bearing. The suspect axles are
labeled with Dexter Axle Serial
Numbers: 622463901 & 622463906
attached to the axle tube.
PJ Trailer Models Potential Impacted:
C4, C5, U6, ua, UC & UL
Containment:
Idler Hub:
Component: Idler Hub
Date: 9-Feb-2021
1) For specific trailers shown on the list attached, identify the axle serial number by looking at the label
attached to the axle (see below defined by first 9 digits):
2) If the axle serial number matches the suspect lots (622463901 or 622463906), then evaluate the axle
to confirm the presence of the inner bearing by one (1) of the methods below.
3) Wheel-end evaluation:
a. Axle with idler hub (no wheel attached): grasp the outer diameter of the idler hub and attempt
to move the hub inboard and/or outboard parallel to the axle beam. Movement greater than
1/8″ should be considered an inner bearing ‘non-conforming’ hub assembly. There will be a
noticeable ‘wobble’ of the hub on the spindle,
b. Axle with wheel attached: While the trailer is sitting on the ground, grasp the top of the tire
and attempt to move the entire wheel-end inboard and/or outboard. Excessive movement of
the wheel-end and/or audible metal-to-metal noise will indicate a potential inner bearing ‘nonconforming’
hub assembly. If the evaluation is inconclusive, remove the wheel from the hub
and follow step a).
4) All units that are confirmed with a hub missing the inner bearing should have the axle assembly
replaced. Contact recall@pjtrailer.com to initiate axle replacement. Provide axle serial number
affected and associate trailer VIN number.
P..I TRAILERS
REPAIR CONFIRMATION FORM
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN 21V061
2021 PJ Trailers – Models C4, U6, US, UC, UL
Inspection and potential replacement – Dexter Axle Idler Axle
Upon completion of an axle replacement, you must return this form via fax to
(903)785-6898; email to recall@pjtrailers.com or by mail to:
PJ Trailers Manufacturing, Inc.
ATTN: Recall Office
1807 FM 2352
Sumner, Texas 75486
Please include the following information:
VIN: —————-
Date Repair Completed: ________ _
1807 FM 2352
Sumner, TX 7 5486 Q
(903) 785-6879 \.,
(903) 785-6898 Ii
www.pjtrailers.com @
Name, address and telephone number of person or entity bringing trailer in for repair:
Name: ———————
Address: ———————
City: _________________ _
State and Zip Code: _____________ _
Telephone Number: _____________ _
Name, address and telephone number of new owner of trailer (if known):
Name: ———————
Address: ———————
City: __________________ _
State and Zip Code: _____________ _
Telephone Number: _____________ _
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Extra Services & Fees (check box, add fee as appropriate)
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PS Form 3800, April 2015 : SN 7530-02-000-9047 See Reverse for Instructions