2019 Freightliner Classic Cascadia & 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia FL900 Drag Link

SEOCONTENT-START

Defect Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-900
Date of Submission: September 2, 2021
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: 2019 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Freightliner
Model: Classic Cascadia
Production Dates: Begin: 04/01/2018 End: 12/31/2018
Descriptive Information: All Classic Cascadia built at the Santiago Manufacturing Plant within the production date range.
Model: Cascadia
Production Dates: Begin: 04/01/2018 End: 07/14/2020
Descriptive Information: All Cascadia built at the Saltillo Manufacturing Plant within the production date range.
Number potentially involved: 105,183 Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 1%
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance:
On certain vehicles, the drag link taper joint at the steering arm may not have been tightened sufficiently and may come loose, potentially resulting in a complete separation of the joint.
Describe the safety risk:
A gradual loosening and separation of this joint could lead to a complete loss of steering control which could lead to a crash.
Identify any warning which can precede or occur:
A loose joint may be detected by loose steering, wandering, noises or vibration.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component.: N/A
Involved Components
Component Name: Drag Link Taper Joint
Component Description: Linkage point where the drag link attaches to the steering arm of the front axle
Component Part Number: 14-19428-000; 14-19429-000; 14-19512-000; 14-19513-000; 14-20690-000; 14-18527-000; 14-18528-000; 14-17298-000; 14-17300-000
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision.: In or about April 2020, DTNA received a field report indicating
loose steering in 5 units from the same customer fleet. Based on this report, DTNA initiated an inspection campaign on the customer fleet. In or about June 2020, DTNA received a field report that 2 units owned by a different customer had experienced a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm. In or around June through September 2020, DTNA investigated the issue, which included a look at manufacturing processes, supplier quality and driver safety. The investigation led to the implementation of torque management and audit tools in all plants. At this time, DTNA did not reasonably determine an unreasonable risk to safety. In or around February 2021, 2 more customers reported loose steering due to the taper joint connection in vehicles built before the corrective action was implemented. DTNA promptly launched a deeper investigation into the same issue and found 7 more reports of complete separations through warranty claim information. In the April through August date range DTNA broadened the search finding 757 total reports and within this time 2 more separation occurred, bringing the total to 11. DTNA investigated the connection between the torque management and audit tool implementation and the loose tapered joint and reviewed warranty claim, field report and field inspection data; combined with a second look at supplier quality. On August 30, 2021, DTNA decided to conduct a safety recall on the above referenced vehicles.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement. The taper joint will be inspected, tested for accurate torque and repaired as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. 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: 10/31/2021
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 10/31/2021
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 10/31/2021
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 10/31/2021
Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-900
DTNA Representative;
Larissa Stoffels
Executive Manager, Vehicle Safety
Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
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Defect Information Report (Section 573.6) FL-900 Date of Submission: September 2, 2021(Amended October 8th, 2021) 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: 2019 Model Yr. End: 2021 Make: Freightliner Model: Classic Cascadia Production Dates: Begin: 04/01/2018 End: 12/31/2019 Descriptive Information: All Classic Cascadia built at the Santiago Manufacturing Plant within the production date range. Model: Cascadia Production Dates: Begin: 04/01/2018 End: 07/14/2020 Descriptive Information: All Cascadia built at the Saltillo Manufacturing Plant within the production date range. Number potentially involved: 112,214. Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 3% Defect / Noncompliance Description For this Defect/Noncompliance: Describe the defect or noncompliance: On certain vehicles, the drag link taper joint at the steering arm may not have been tightened sufficiently and may come loose, potentially resulting in a complete separation of the joint. Describe the safety risk: A gradual loosening and separation of this joint could lead to a complete loss of steering control which could lead to a crash. Identify any warning which can precede or occur: A loose joint may be detected by loose steering, wandering, noises or vibration. If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component.: N/A Involved Components Component Name: Drag Link Taper Joint Component Description: Linkage point where the drag link attaches to the steering arm of the front axle Component Part Number: 14-19428-000; 14-19429-000; 14-19512-000; 14-19513-000; 14-20690-000; 14-18527-000; 14-18528-000; 14-17298-000; 14-17300-000 Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision.: In or about April 2020, DTNA received a field report indicating loose steering in 5 units from the same customer fleet. Based on this report, DTNA initiated an inspection campaign on the customer fleet. In or about June 2020, DTNA received a field report that 2 units owned by a different customer had experienced a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm. In or around June through September 2020, DTNA investigated the issue, which included a look at manufacturing processes, supplier quality and driver safety. The investigation led to the implementation of torque management and audit tools in all plants. At this time, DTNA did not reasonably determine an unreasonable risk to safety. In or around February 2021, 2 more customers reported loose steering due to the taper joint connection in vehicles built before the corrective action was implemented. DTNA promptly launched a deeper investigation into the same issue and found 7 more reports of complete separations through warranty claim information. In the April through August date range DTNA broadened the search finding 757 total reports and within this time 2 more separation occurred, bringing the total to 11. DTNA investigated the connection between the torque management and audit tool implementation and the loose tapered joint and reviewed warranty claim, field report and field inspection data; combined with a second look at supplier quality. On August 30, 2021, DTNA decided to conduct a safety recall on the above referenced vehicles. During the month of September 2021, DTNA further reviewed available data and field information for the Classic Cascadia population and the number of vehicles potentially involved. The review of information led to the decision to expand the affected population. In an abundance of caution, on October 6, 2021 DTNA decided to amend the Classic Cascadia population by expanding the manufacturing date range to 12/31/2019. Identify the Remedy Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement. The taper joint will be inspected, tested for accurate torque and repaired as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. 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: 10/31/2021 Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 10/31/2021 Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 10/31/2021 Planned Owner Notification End Date: 10/31/2021 Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-900 DTNA Representative; Larissa Stoffels Executive Manager, Vehicle Safety Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
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Amended Defect Information Report
(Section 573.6)
FL-900
Date of Submission: September 2, 2021(Amended January 28, 2022)
Manufacturer: Daimler Truck North America LLC
P.O. BOX 3849
Portland, Oregon 97208
Type of Report: X Safety Defect ⃝ Non-Compliance
Vehicle Information
Model Yr. Start: 2019 Model Yr. End: 2021
Make: Freightliner
Model: Classic Cascadia
Production Dates: Begin: 04/01/2018 End: 12/31/2019
Descriptive Information: All Classic Cascadia built at the Santiago Manufacturing Plant within the production date range.
Model: Cascadia
Production Dates: Begin: 04/01/2018 End: 07/14/2020
Descriptive Information: All Cascadia built at the Saltillo Manufacturing Plant within the production date range.
Number potentially involved: 113,085 Estimated percentage of involve with defect: 3%
Defect / Noncompliance Description
For this Defect/Noncompliance:
Describe the defect or noncompliance:
On certain vehicles, the drag link taper joint at the steering arm may not have been tightened sufficiently and may come loose, potentially resulting in a complete separation of the joint.
Describe the safety risk:
A gradual loosening and separation of this joint could lead to a complete loss of steering control which could lead to a crash.
Identify any warning which can precede or occur:
A loose joint may be detected by loose steering, wandering, noises or vibration.
If applicable, identify the manufacture of the defective or noncompliant component.: N/A
Involved Components
Component Name: Drag Link Taper Joint
Component Description: Linkage point where the drag link attaches to the steering arm of the front axle
Component Part Number: 14-19428-000; 14-19429-000; 14-19512-000; 14-19513-000; 14-20690-000; 14-18527-000; 14-18528-000; 14-17298-000; 14-17300-000
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
Provide the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision.: In or about April 2020, DTNA received a field report indicating
loose steering in 5 units from the same customer fleet. Based on this report, DTNA initiated an inspection campaign on the customer fleet. In or about June 2020, DTNA received a field report that 2 units owned by a different customer had experienced a complete separation of the drag link from the steering arm. In or around June through September 2020, DTNA investigated the issue, which included a look at manufacturing processes, supplier quality and driver safety. The investigation led to the implementation of torque management and audit tools in all plants. At this time, DTNA did not reasonably determine an unreasonable risk to safety. In or around February 2021, 2 more customers reported loose steering due to the taper joint connection in vehicles built before the corrective action was implemented. DTNA promptly launched a deeper investigation into the same issue and found 7 more reports of complete separations through warranty claim information. In the April through August date range DTNA broadened the search finding 757 total reports and within this time 2 more separation occurred, bringing the total to 11. DTNA investigated the connection between the torque management and audit tool implementation and the loose tapered joint and reviewed warranty claim, field report and field inspection data; combined with a second look at supplier quality. On August 30, 2021, DTNA decided to conduct a safety recall on the above referenced vehicles. During the month of September 2021, DTNA further reviewed available data and field information for the Classic Cascadia population and the number of vehicles potentially involved. The review of information led to the decision to expand the affected population. In an abundance of caution, on October 6, 2021 DTNA decided to amend the Classic Cascadia population by expanding the manufacturing date range to 12/31/2019. January 2022, population amended to reflect actual vehicle location.
Identify the Remedy
Describe the defect/noncompliance remedy program, including the manufacture’s plan for reimbursement. The taper joint will be inspected, tested for accurate torque and repaired as necessary. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Truck North America authorized service facilities. 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 Truck North America records to determine the customers affected.
Planned Dealer Notification Begin Date: 10/31/2021
Planned Dealer Notification End Date: 10/31/2021
Planned Owner Notification Begin Date: 10/31/2021
Planned Owner Notification End Date: 10/31/2021
Manufacture’s identification code for this recall (if applicable): FL-900
DTNA Representative;
Tiffani Torgeson
Manager, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
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Daimler Trucks
North America LLC
October 2021
FL900A
NHTSA #21V-689
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
See enclosed VIN list
Subject: Cascadia Drag Link Tapered Joint
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its Freightliner Trucks Division, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on specific model year 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured
April 2, 2018, through July 14, 2020.
On certain vehicles, the drag link tapered joint, at the steering arm, may not have been tightened to manufacturer specification and may come loose. A loose drag link tapered joint at the steering arm may result in separation of the joint leading to a complete loss of steering, which could lead to a crash.
The drag link will be inspected and torqued to specification. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities.
Please contact an authorized Daimler Trucks North America dealer to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. The Recall will take approximately one half hour and will be performed at no charge to you. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at Daimler-TrucksNorthAmerica.com/Contact-us. Scroll down to “Locate a Dealer” and select the appropriate brand. You may also confirm your vehicle’s involvement in this recall at this URL: https://dtna-dlrinfo.prd.freightliner.com:48518/VinLookup/vin-module/getVinLookupPage.
You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable time after receiving notification.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Please see the reverse side of this notice for details.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimler.com. For other concerns, you may contact the Customer Assistance Center at (800) 385-4357. If you are not able to have the defect remedied without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC
Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall
If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement.
Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show:
• The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
• What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done.
• Who repaired the vehicle.
• The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
• Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt).
Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer.
Please speak with your Daimler Trucks North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Warranty Campaigns Department
P.O. Box 4090
Portland, OR 97208-4090
800.547.0712 Phone
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Subject: Cascadia Drag Link Tapered Joint Models Affected: Specific model years 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured April 2, 2018, through July 14, 2020. General Information Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its Freightliner Trucks Division, has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists on the vehicles mentioned above. On certain vehicles, the drag link tapered joint, at the steering arm, may not have been tightened to manufacturer specification and may come loose. A loose drag link tapered joint at the steering arm may result in separation of the joint leading to a complete loss of steering, which could lead to a crash. The drag link will be inspected and torqued to specification. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. There are approximately 115,008 vehicles involved in this campaign. NOTE: Only 2% replacement is expected. Do not overstock replacement parts. Additional Repairs Dealers must complete all outstanding Recall and Field Service campaigns prior to the sale or delivery of a vehicle. A Dealer will be liable for any progressive damage that results from its failure to complete campaigns before sale or delivery of a vehicle. Owners may be liable for any progressive damage that results from failure to complete campaigns within a reasonable time after receiving notification. Work Instructions Please refer to the attached work instructions. Prior to performing the campaign, check the vehicle for a completion sticker (Form WAR260). Replacement Parts Replacement parts are now available and can be obtained by ordering the kit and/or part number(s) listed below from your facing Parts Distribution Center. If our records show your dealership has ordered any vehicle(s) involved in campaign number FL900, a list of the customers and vehicle identification numbers will be available on DTNAConnect. Please refer to this list when ordering parts for this recall. Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 1 FL900A Replacement Procedure Only 2% will fall into this category Replace drag link and steering arm Choose appropriate drag link, PLUS Completion Sticker LINK-STEERING,DRAGLINK-COMMON,SFA, 14-17298-000 1 ea ARM-DRAGLINK,COMMON,SFA,TAS85,FL, 14-17300-000 1 ea ARM-DRAGLINK,COMMON,SFA,T60,LWB 14-17303-000 1 ea DRAGLINK-AB BO,SWB,THP60 14-18527-000 1 ea DRAGLINK-AB BO,LWB,THP60 14-18528-000 1 ea DRAGLINK-STRG,TRW,NGC,LWB 14-19428-000 1 ea DRAGLINK-STRG,TRW,NGC,SWB 14-19429-000 1 ea DRAGLINK-TAS85,NGC,14.6K 14-19512-000 1 ea DRAGLINK-TAS85,NGC,16K 14-19513-000 1 ea BLANK COMPLETION STICKER WAR260 1 ea Vehicles with Hendrickson steering arms, choose appropriate steering arm, PLUS hardware STEERING ARM AY-LH HDR 60903 435 1 ea STEERING ARM AY-LH HDR 60903 436 1 ea STEERING ARM AY HDR 60903 439 1 ea STEERING ARM ASSEMBLY LH HDR 60903 474 1 ea 5/8-11 SOCKET CAP SC HDR 60236 001 2 ea PIN-COTTER,1 3/4 X 1/8 23-00800-407 2 Vehicles with Detroit steering arms, choose appropriate steering arm and capscrew, PLUS cotter pin ARM-STEERING MBA 6803382501 1 ea ARM, L. H. STEERING MBA 6803382603 1 ea STEERING ARM, M3 MBA 6803382701 1 ea STEERING ARM, 14.7K MBA 6803382801 1 ea STEERING ARM (14.7K GAWR) MBA 6803384401 1 ea STEERING ARM MBA 6803385503 1 ea STEERING ARM 430 RH NGC MBA 6803385603 1 ea STEERING ARM MBA 6813381001 1 ea STEERING ARM 390 RH MBA 6813381101 1 ea SCREW,M20X1.5X80-10.9 MBA 308676020025 2 ea SCREW M24X2X90 MBA 308676024001 2 ea PIN-COTTER,1 3/4 X 1/8 23-00800-407 2 ea Vehicles with Meritor steering arms, choose appropriate steering arm, PLUS hardware ARM-STEERING LH TDA 3133B8582 1 ea ARM-STEERING, LH TDA 3133F9470 1 ea ARM-STEERING, LH TDA 3133H9472 1 ea ARM AND KEYS TDA 3133N7736K 1 ea ARM & KEYS TDA 3133Z7696K 1 ea PIN-COTTER TDA K2618 1 ea NUT-STEERING ARM TDA 1227Y1715 1 ea PIN-COTTER,1 3/4 X 1/8 23-00800-407 2 ea Table 1 Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 2 Table 1 – Replacement Parts for FL900 NOTE: Only 2% replacement is expected. Do not overstock replacement parts. Campaign Number Procedure Part Description Part Number Qty. FL900A Inspection Only 98% will fall into this category Inspect castle nut and torque PIN-COTTER,1 3/4 X 1/8 23-00800-407 1 ea BLANK COMPLETION STICKER WAR260 1 ea Replace drag link and steering arm Replace drag link and steering arm Replace drag link and steering arm FL900A Inspect drag link and torque; replace drag link and steering arm 2.1 996-R128B 12-Repair Recall/Campaign Table 2 IMPORTANT: When the Recall has been completed, locate the base completion label in the appropriate location on the vehicle, and attach the red completion sticker provided in the recall kit (Form WAR260). If the vehicle does not have a base completion label, clean a spot on the appropriate location of the vehicle and first attach the base completion label (Form WAR259). If a recall kit is not required or there is no completion sticker in the kit, write the recall number on a blank sticker and attach it to the base completion label. Claims for Credit NOTE: Only 2% replacement is expected. Do not overstock replacement parts. You will be reimbursed for your parts, labor, and handling (landed cost for Export Distributors) by submitting your claim through the Warranty system within 30 days of completing this campaign. Please reference the following information in OWL: • Claim type is Recall Campaign. • In the Campaign field, enter the campaign number and appropriate condition code (FL900-A). • In the Primary Failed Part Number field, enter 25-FL900-000. • In the Parts field, enter the appropriate kit or part number(s) as shown in the Replacement Parts Table. • In the Labor field, first enter the appropriate SRT from the Labor Allowance Table. Administrative time will be included automatically as SRT 939-6010A for 0.3 hours. • The VMRS Component Code is F99-999-005 and the Cause Code is A1 – Campaign. • U.S. and Canada — Reimbursement for Prior Repairs. When a customer asks about reimbursement, please do the following: • Accept the documentation of the previous repair. • Make a brief check of the customer’s paperwork to see if the repair may be eligible for reimbursement. (See the “Copy of Owner Letter” section of this bulletin for reimbursement guidelines.) • Submit an OWL Recall Pre-Approval Request for a decision. • Include the approved amount on your claim in the Other Charges section. • Attach the documentation to the pre-approval request. • If approved, submit a based on claim for the pre-approval. • Reimburse the customer the appropriate amount. IMPORTANT: OWL must be viewed prior to performing the recall to ensure the vehicle is involved and the campaign has not been previously completed. Also, check for a completion sticker prior to beginning work. Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 3 Removed Parts U.S. and Canadian Dealers, please follow Warranty Failed Parts Tracking shipping instructions for the disposition of all removed parts. Export distributors, please destroy removed parts unless otherwise advised. Labor Allowance Table 2 – Labor Allowance Campaign Number Procedure Time Allowed (hours) SRT Code Corrective Action FL900A Inspect drag link and torque only 0.4 996-R128A 06-Inspect Please note that the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended (Title 49, United States Code, Chapter 301), requires the owner’s vehicle(s) be corrected within a reasonable time after parts are available to you. The Act states that failure to repair a vehicle within 60 days after tender for repair shall be prima facie evidence of an unreasonable time. However, circumstances of a particular situation may reduce the 60 day period. Failure to repair a vehicle within a reasonable time can result in either the obligation to (a) replace the vehicle with an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle, without charge, or (b) refund the purchase price in full, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. The Act further prohibits dealers from selling a vehicle unless all outstanding recalls are performed. Any lessor is required to send a copy of the recall notification to the lessee within 10 days. Any subsequent stage manufacturer is required to forward this notice to its distributors and retail outlets within five working days. Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 4 U.S. and Canadian dealers, contact the Warranty Campaigns Department via Web inquiry at DTNAConnect.com/WSC, if you have any questions or need additional information. Export distributors, submit a Web inquiry or contact your International Service Manager. U.S. and Canadian Dealers: To return excess kit inventory related to this campaign, U.S. dealers must submit a Parts Authorization Return (PAR) to the Memphis PDC. Canadian dealers must submit a PAR to their facing PDC. All kits must be in resalable condition. PAR requests must include the original purchase invoice number. Export Distributors: Excess inventory is not returnable. The letter notifying U.S. and Canadian vehicle owners is included for your reference. Copy of Notice to Owners Subject: Cascadia Drag Link Tapered Joint For the Notice to U.S. Customers: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For the Notice to Canadian Customers: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person. Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), on behalf of its Freightliner Trucks Division, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on specific model years 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured April 2, 2018, through July 14, 2020. On certain vehicles, the drag link tapered joint, at the steering arm, may not have been tightened to manufacturer specification and may come loose. A loose drag link tapered joint at the steering arm may result in separation of the joint leading to a complete loss of steering, which could lead to a crash. The drag link will be inspected and torqued to specification. Repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks North America authorized service facilities. Please contact an authorized Daimler Trucks North America dealer to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. The Recall will take approximately one hour and will be performed at no charge to you. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at Daimler-TrucksNorthAmerica.com/contact-us/. Scroll down to “Locate a Dealer,” and select the appropriate brand. You may also confirm your vehicle’s involvement in this recall at this URL: https:// dtna-dlrinfo.prd.freightliner.com:48518/VinLookup/vin-module/getVinLookupPage. You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable time after receiving notification. If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department in the postage-paid envelope with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days. If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Please see the reverse side of this notice for details. If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Warranty Campaigns Department at (800) 547-0712, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, e-mail address DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimler.com. For the Notice to U.S. Customers: If you are not able to have the defect remedied without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or to https://www.safercar.gov. For the Notice to Canadian Customers: If you wish to submit a complaint about this recall, you can contact Transport Canada road safety, 80 rue Noel, Gatineau, Quebec J8Z 0A1 or call (800) 333-0510. We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety. WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT Enclosure Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 5 Reimbursement to Customers for Repairs Performed Prior to Recall If you have already paid to have this recall condition corrected you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer. The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement. Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show: • The name and address of the person who paid for the repair • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired • What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done • Who repaired the vehicle • The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed • Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt) Reimbursement will be made by check from your Daimler Trucks North America LLC dealer. Please speak with your Daimler Trucks North America LLC authorized dealer concerning this matter. Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 6 Work Instructions Subject: Cascadia Drag Link Tapered Joint Models Affected: Specific model years 2019-2021 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles manufactured April 2, 2018, through July 14, 2020. NOTE: Only 2% replacement is expected. Do not overstock replacement parts. Castle Nut Inspection and Tightening NOTE: This procedure will require two people—one in the cab to turn the steering wheel, and one to observe the drag link steering arm joint as the steering wheel is turned. 1. Check the base label (Form WAR259) for a completion sticker for FL900 (Form WAR261) indicating this work has been done. The base label is usually located on the passenger door about 12 inches (30 cm) below the door latch. If a sticker is present, no work is needed. If there is no sticker, proceed with the next step. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brakes, and chock the rear tires. 3. Open the hood. 4. Using your DTNAConnect credentials, go to https://dtnacontent-dtna.prd.freightliner.com/content/dam/ techlit/video/chassis/46_steering/Loose_Draglink_Unit32K_2.mp4 to watch a reference video that shows a drag link steering arm joint with movement present. Notice an audible knocking sound. 5. Observe the behavior of the drag link steering arm joint. See Fig. 1. Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 7 5.1 With the engine running at idle, and the parking brakes still engaged, have an assistant turn the steering wheel in small increments from left-to-right and back several times. DANGER Maintain a safe distance from the front tire and moving steering linkage while observing. 5.2 While the steering wheel is being turned, check the behavior of the drag link to steering arm joint. 6. Are any of the following conditions observed? • The castle nut appears to be loose. • The cotter pin is not in place. • There is relative movement in the drag link to steering arm joint when the steering wheel is moved back and forth. YES → Go to Drag Link and Steering Arm Replacement procedure. NO → Go to the next step. IMPORTANT: Do not back off the castle nut to align its slots to the cotter pin hole on the ball stud. Further turn the castle nut a maximum of one-sixth of a turn to align it. 7. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the castle nut at the drag link to steering arm joint, then tighten the castle nut to the toqrue value shown in Table 3. See Fig. 2. 10/21/2021 f462463 1 5 2 3 4 A A. Check the relative movement in the drag link to steering arm joint. 1. Drag Link 2. Steering Arm 3. Cotter Pin 4. Castle Nut 5. Ball Stud Fig. 1, Drag Link to Steering Arm Joint Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 8 Castle Nut Torque Values Size Torque: lbf·ft (N·m) 3/4–16 117 to 143 (159 to 194) 7/8–14 207 to 253 (281 to 343) Table 3, Castle Nut Torque Values 8. Install and lock a new cotter pin drag link to steering arm joint. 9. Clean a spot on the base label (Form WAR259), write the recall number, FL900, on a blank red completion sticker (Form WAR260), and attach it to the base label, indicating this work has been completed. Drag Link and Steering Arm Replacement 1. At both ends of the drag link, remove the cotter pins, then remove the castle nuts. See Fig. 2. Discard the cotter pins and castle nuts. 2. Using a ball stud removal tool, remove the ball studs from the pitman arm and the steering arm. 3. Remove the drag link from the vehicle, and discard it. 4. For Detroit steering arm: 4.1 Remove the capscrews that attach the steering arm to the knuckle, then remove the steering arm from the vehicle. Discard the steering arm and capscrews. 04/08/2021 f462449 1 2 3 4 6 2 3 4 5 A A. Drag link cotter pin location. 1. Drag Link 2. Castle Nut 3. Cotter Pin 4. Ball Stud 5. Pitman Arm 6. Steering Arm Fig. 2, Drag Link Cotter Pin Location Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 9 4.2 Position a new steering arm on the knuckle. Apply Loctite® 277 to the threads of the new steering arm capscrews, then install the capscews. • If M20 capscrews are used, tighten them 425 lbf·ft (575 N·m). • If M24 capscrews are used, tighten them 664 lbf·ft (900 N·m). 5. For Meritor steering arm: 5.1 Remove the cotter pin and castle nut that attaches the steering arm to the knuckle, then remove the steering arm from the vehicle. Discard the steering arm, castle nut and cotter pin. 5.2 Press the key into the slot in the arm, then install the new steering arm on the knuckle. IMPORTANT: Do not back off the castle nut to align its slots to the cotter pin hole on the ball stud. Further turn the castle nut a maximum of one-sixth of a turn to align it. 5.3 Install a new castle nut TDA 1227Y1715. Tighten the nut 775 to 1450 lbf·ft (1051-1965 N·m). Install and lock a new cotter pin TDA K2618 on the castle nut. 6. For Hendrickson steering arm: 6.1 Remove the capscrews that attach the steering arm to the knuckle, then remove the steering arm from the vehicle. Discard the steering arm and capscrews. 6.2 Position a new steering arm on the knuckle, then install the new capscews HDR 60236-001. Tighten the capscrews 176 to 200 lbf·ft (239 to 271 N·m). 7. Insert the steering arm ball stud of the new drag link assembly through the bottom of the steering arm, then install a new castle nut, and hand-tighten it. 8. Turn the steering wheel as needed to align the hole in the lower end of the pitman arm with the forward ball stud. Insert the ball stud in the pitman arm from the inboard side. Install a new castle nut, and hand-tighten it. IMPORTANT: Do not back off the castle nut to align its slots to the cotter pin hole on the ball stud. Further turn the castle nut a maximum of one-sixth of a turn to align it. 9. Tighten the castle nuts to the torque value shown in Table 3. 10. Install and lock a new cotter pin on the castle nuts at both ends of the drag link. See Fig. 2. 11. Clean a spot on the base label (Form WAR259), write the recall number, FL900, on a blank red completion sticker (Form WAR260), and attach it to the base label, indicating this work has been completed. Daimler Trucks North America LLC Recall Campaign October 2021 FL900A NHTSA #21V-689 Transport Canada #2021-545 Page 10

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