SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN
February 2019
D18R7 (FL802)
NHTSA #18V-913 (Non-School Buses)
#18V-914 (School Buses)
Transport Canada #18-719 (Non-School Buses)
#18-720 (School Buses)

Subject:

DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection

Issue Involved
Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Detroit
Diesel Corporation, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety
exists on specific Freightliner 108SDM, 114SD,122SD, 4700, 4900, Business Class M2,
and Cascadia model vehicles; Freightliner Custom Chassis, MT45, MT55, S2G, S2RV,
XBS, XCL, XCM, XCR, and XCS chassis; and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, SafT-Liner HDX, and Saf-T-Liner EFX model school buses manufactured February 10,
2017, through July 21, 2018, with certain Detroit Axles.
On certain vehicles, the steering and tie rod arm bolts that join the steering and tie rod
arm to the knuckle may not have accurate torque specification data. Without verification
of torque data on the steering and tie rod arm bolts, it is unclear if the bolts were
torqued to specification. Under torqued bolts may lead to a separation of the tie rod and
disconnect the front wheels of the vehicle. A disconnect of the front wheels can reduce
the ability to steer the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Axles will be inspected for correct torque and repaired if necessary.
There are approximately 633 vehicles affected by this Safety Recall.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 2

Vehicles Involved
A list of vehicles that require this inspection is attached.
The table below gives descriptive information to help identify the affected units:

Front Axle
Model Series

Front Axle Model
Number

Model Year

Inclusive Front Axle Mfg. Date
(From) (To)

Model 2

DA-F-8.0-2
DA-F-8.0-3
DA-F-10.0-3
DA-F-10.5-3
DA-F-12.0-3
DA-F-12.5-3
DA-F-13.0-3
DA-F-13.3-3
DA-F-14.7-3
DA-F-16.0-5
DA-F-18.0-5
DA-F-20.0-5

2017-2018

February 1, 2017 to July 17, 2018

Model 3

Model 5

Owner Notification
A copy of the owner letter that will be used by Detroit Diesel is enclosed with this
Safety Recall Bulletin.

Dealer Campaign Responsibility
Detroit Diesel authorized DetroitTM Axle repair facilities to service all axles subject to
this Safety Recall. Safety Recall D18R7 is to be performed at no charge.
Please use the appropriate steps, noted below, for indicating that Safety Recall
D18R7 has been completed.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 3

Daimler Trucks North America Vehicles


Check the base label (Form WAR259) to see if Safety Recall D18R7 has been
completed. The base label is usually located on the passenger-side door about
30 cm (12 inches) below the door latch. If Safety Recall D18R7 has been
completed, no further work is needed. If base label is not located on the
passenger-side door, please affix label (Form WAR259) 30 cm (12 inches) from
the door latch.



Upon completion of Safety Recall D18R7, clean a spot on the base label (Form
WAR259), write the Safety Recall Number (D18R7) on a blank, black completion
sticker (Form WAR261), and attach it to the base label.

Ordering Information
1. If you do not have the appropriate Form or Labels (DDC_WAR 259,
DDC_WAR 260. DDC_WAR 261), they can be ordered from EPI Printers
by emailing your order to [email protected].
2. You can also fax in your order to 269-698-4240 Attn: Corrina Cotton.
3. Contact EPI Printers at 734-464-9000.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 4

Parts Information
There are no parts required for this Safety Recall unless an under-torque
capscrew is discovered. If the inspection results require capscrew replacement, or
capscrew, steering arm and steering knuckle replacement, the required parts for this
repair are shown below in Table 1. Note that DetroitTM expects a very low
percentage of vehicles on the list to require any parts replacement.
Front Axle Model
Series
Model 2 and
Model 3

Part Number

Quantity

MBA 308676020025

2

MBA 308676020022

4

MBA 308676024003

2 or
4 (Dual Steer)

MBA 308676024002

4

Model 5
Refer to
All Models
DTNAConnect.com
and PartsPro
Refer to
All Models
DTNAConnect.com
and PartsPro
Refer to
All Models
DTNAConnect.com
and PartsPro
PEX 27010 or locally
All Models
available equivalent
Table 1 – Parts Information

Description
Capscrew, Steering Arm - M20 x
1.5 x 80mm, 10.9
Capscrew, Tie Rod Arm - M20 x
1.5 x 90mm, 10.9
Capscrew, Steering Arm - M24 x
2.0 x 90mm, 10.9
Capscrew, Tie Rod Arm - M20 x
2.0 x 100mm, 10.9
Steering Knuckle

Steering Arm

Tie Rod Arm
Loctite® 277 Red Threadlocker or
equivalent

Capscrew Inspection Procedure
Note: Each vehicle and axle configuration may require different extensions to
properly get the socket onto the capscrew so that the torque can be checked. In
most cases, all of the capscrews are accessible with the steering wheel turned
all the way to the left or to the right with the hood open.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn the steering wheel all the way to the
left to expose the steering arm capscrews and the front tie rod arm capscrew on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. The rear tie rod arm capscrew on the
passenger’s side should also be accessible from behind the tire.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 5

2. Apply the parking brake, turn off the ignition, chock the rear wheels, and
perform any other applicable safety steps.
3. Using a suitable torque wrench, check the torque on the two steering arm
capscrews as well as the forward tie rod capscrew on the driver’s side
and the rear tie rod capscrew on the passenger’s side. See Figure 1.
a. For Model 2 and Model 3 axles with a M20 capscrew, the torque
should be checked at 525 N·m (390 lb·ft).
b. For Model 5 axles with a M24 capscrew, the torque should be checked
at 850 N·m (630 lb·ft).

Figure 1 – Steering Arm and Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Location

4. Are the capscrews at the correct torque?
a. Yes; proceed to step 5 to check the other capscrews.
b. No; mark which capscrews are at low torque before proceeding to step 5
to check the rest of the capscrews. Any capscrews that are below the
correct torque will need to be repaired following the instructions starting in
step 9.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 6

PERSONAL INJURY
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to
the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other
reproductive harm.
• Always start and operate an engine in a well ventilated area.
• If operating an engine in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to the
outside.
• Do not modify or tamper with the exhaust system or emission
control system.

PERSONAL INJURY
To avoid injury before starting and running the engine, ensure the
vehicle is parked on a level surface, parking brake is set, and the
wheels are blocked.

ENGINE EXHAUST
To avoid injury from inhaling engine exhaust, always operate the
engine in a well-ventilated area. Engine exhaust is toxic.

5. With the parking brake applied and the rear wheels chocked, start the engine
and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to expose the front tie rod
arm capscrew on the passenger’s side of the vehicle and the steering arm
capscrews on vehicles equipped with dual steering arms. The rear tie rod arm
capscrew on the driver’s side should also be accessible from behind the tire.
6. Turn off the ignition and perform any other applicable safety steps.
7. Check the torque on the two steering arm capscrews (if vehicle is equipped)
as well as the forward tie rod capscrew on the passenger’s side and the rear
tie rod capscrew on the driver’s side using the same tools and specifications
as in step 3 above.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 7

8. Are the capscrews at the correct torque?
a. Yes; no further work is needed.
b. No; mark which capscrews are at low torque and proceed to the repair
instructions starting in step 9.

Capscrew Repair Procedure
9. Remove the two capscrews from the steering or tie rod arm where the low
torque capscrew(s) was identified, and remove the steering or tie rod arm.
Reference section “Dissasembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles
chapter of the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
10. Inspect the joint surface between the steering or tie rod arm and steering knuckle
for signs of fretting, dents, or other damage from the loose capscrew(s). See
Figure 2 and 3 for examples of damaged parts, and Figure 4 for an example of a
new part.

Figure 2 – Fretting Damage That May Look Like Rust from Water Intrusion at Loose
Joint

Figure 3 – Dent at the Loose Joint

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 8

Figure 4 – New (Undamaged) Joint Surface

11. Are the joint surfaces of either the steering or tie rod arm or steering knuckle
damaged?
a. Yes; proceed to step 12 to replace the knuckle and the arm.
b. No; proceed to step 14 to replace the capscrews only.
12. Remove the steering or tie rod arm and steering knuckle. Reference
section “Dissasembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles chapter of
the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
13. Install a new steering or tie rod arm and new steering knuckle.
Reference section “Assembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles
chapter of the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
14. Install two new steering or tie rod arm capscrews. Reference section
“Assembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles chapter of the Detroit
Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
15. Repairs are complete.

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 9

Warranty Information

Notice
There are nine different labor codes listed below. Use only one of these codes
when filing the claim, depending on the repair necessary.

Claim administration time, SRT 939-6010A, for 0.3 hours will automatically be
added.
Claim Type:
Modification:
Cause Code:
Primary Failed Part:

CAMPAIGN
D18R7
A1-CAMPAIGN
MBA 308676020022

PROCEDURE A
Use this operation if all capscrews are verified to have proper torque
Labor Code:
996-R061A
Labor:
0.7 Hours

PROCEDURE B
Use one of the following labor operations if any of the capscrews are found to
have low torque and only the capscrews need to be replaced
Labor Code:
996-R061B
(If one steering/tie rod arm is found with low torque)
Labor:
2.2 Hours
Labor Code:
996-R061C
(If two steering/tie rod arms are found with low torque)
Labor:
3.5 Hours
Labor Code:
996-R061D
(If three steering/tie rod arms are found with low torque)
Labor:
4.9 Hours
Labor Code:
996-R061E
(If four steering/tie rod arms are found with low torque)
Labor:
6.2 Hours
Parts Return:
NONE

Safety Recall Bulletin D18R7
Page 10

PROCEDURE C
Use one of the following labor operations if any of the capscrews are found to
have low torque and there is damage to the steering/tie rod arm and knuckle
mating surfaces; This requires replacement of the entire knuckle on one or both
sides of the vehicle.
Labor Code:
996-R061F
(If only one knuckle is found to be damaged and the other
side passes the torque check)
Labor:
3.2 Hours
Labor Code:
996-R061G
(If only one knuckle is found to be damaged and one arm
on the other side is found with low torque, but is not
damaged)
Labor:
4.5 Hours
Labor Code:
996-R061H
(If only one knuckle is found to be damaged and both arms
on the other side are found with low torque, but are not
damaged)
Labor:
5.9 Hours
Labor Code:
996-R061I
(If both knuckles are found to be damaged and must be
replaced)
Labor:
5.5 Hours
Parts Return:
REQUIRED
Please contact the Detroit™ Customer Support Center at 855-253-0427 or email
[email protected] if you have any questions.

DETROIT DIESEL
13400 Outer Drive West

Detroit, Michigan 48239-4001
BULLETIN

Daimler Trucks
North America LLC

Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Detroit Diesel Corporation
13400 Outer Drive, West
Detroit, MI 48239-4001
313.592.5000 Telephone

February 2019
D18R7 (FL802)
NHTSA #18V-913 (Non-School Buses)
#18V-914 (School Buses)

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle(s)

Subject: DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Detroit Diesel Corporation, has
decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on specific Freightliner 108SDM, 114SD,122SD,
4700, 4900, Business Class M2, and Cascadia model vehicles; Freightliner Custom Chassis, MT45, MT55, S2G,
S2RV, XBS, XCL, XCM, XCR, and XCS chassis; and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and
Saf-T-Liner EFX model school buses manufactured February 10, 2017, through July 21, 2018, with certain Detroit
Axles.
On certain vehicles, the steering and tie rod arm bolts that join the steering and tie rod arm to the knuckle may not
have accurate torque specification data. Without verification of torque data on the steering and tie rod arm bolts, it is
unclear if the bolts were torqued to specification. Under torqued bolts may lead to a separation of the tie rod and
disconnect the front wheels of the vehicle. A disconnect of the front wheels can reduce the ability to steer the
vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Axles will be inspected for correct torque and repaired if necessary.
Please contact an authorized Detroit Diesel Authorized Repair Facility to arrange to have the Recall performed and
to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at
https://demanddetroit.com/find-a-dealer/. The Recall will take approximately six hours and will be performed at no
charge to you.
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.

Page 2

If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, 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 a Detroit Authorized Repair Facility.
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 Detroit Diesel dealer. Please speak with your Detroit Diesel
authorized dealer concerning this matter.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center, 13400 Outer
Drive West, Detroit, MI 48239, or call (800) 445-1980 (Eastern Standard Time). Detroit Diesel’s Customer
Support Center is open 24 Hours / 7 Days a Week. 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 http://www.safercar.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle
safety.

DETROIT DIESEL WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure

Daimler Trucks
North America LLC

Daimler Trucks North America LLC
Detroit Diesel Corporation
13400 Outer Drive, West
Detroit, MI 48239-4001
313.592.5000 Telephone

February 2019
D18R7 (FL802)
Transport Canada #18-719 (Non-School Buses)
#18-720 (School Buses)

Subject: DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Trucks North America LLC, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Detroit Diesel Corporation, has
decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on specific Freightliner 108SDM, 114SD,122SD,
4700, 4900, Business Class M2, and Cascadia model vehicles; Freightliner Custom Chassis, MT45, MT55, S2G,
S2RV, XBS, XCL, XCM, XCR, and XCS chassis; and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and
Saf-T-Liner EFX model school buses manufactured February 10, 2017, through July 21, 2018, with certain Detroit
Axles.
On certain vehicles, the steering and tie rod arm bolts that join the steering and tie rod arm to the knuckle may not
have accurate torque specification data. Without verification of torque data on the steering and tie rod arm bolts, it is
unclear if the bolts were torqued to specification. Under torqued bolts may lead to a separation of the tie rod and
disconnect the front wheels of the vehicle. A disconnect of the front wheels can reduce the ability to steer the
vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Axles will be inspected for correct torque and repaired if necessary.
Please contact an authorized Detroit Diesel Authorized Repair Facility to arrange to have the Recall performed
and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at
https://demanddetroit.com/find-a-dealer/. The Recall will take approximately six hours and will be performed
at no charge to you.
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 questions about this Recall, please contact the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center, 13400 Outer
Drive West, Detroit, MI 48239, or call (800) 445-1980 (Eastern Standard Time). Detroit Diesel’s Customer
Support Center is open 24 Hours / 7 Days a Week. In Canada, you may 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.

DETROIT DIESEL WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure