TO:
FROM:

DATE:
SUBJECT:

«DEALER»
Don Chomic – Director, Product Safety
Kevin Hanegraaf – Director, Aftermarket Support
Jim Michal – VP, Aftermarket Support
October 2014
Recall Notice: 14V-660 – TAK-4 Lower Control Arm

VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL DEALER NOTIFICATION – IMPORTANT
Pierce Manufacturing has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety
exists in certain Impel, Quantum, Velocity, and Arrow XT custom fire apparatus models
manufactured between 2009 and 2013 equipped with TAK-4 independent suspensions.
Pierce has determined that, for certain production lots, the lower control arms of the TAK-4
independent suspension may have developed a crack when impacted during processing.
Lower control arms produced within one cavity in the mold may additionally have become
subject to material alteration as the result of process variation, increasing the lower control
arm’s sensitivity to the crack. When occurring in combination, the lower control arm could
fatigue and fracture during a sudden, overload event.
To remedy the issue Pierce will inspect the suspected parts for the presence of cracks.
If any cracks are found, the Lower Control Arm will be replaced.
Pierce expects to conduct the following steps on each vehicle:
• Inspect the vehicle and subject component to determine if component is included in
this recall.
• If determined the component is part of this recall, inspect the exterior of the ball joint
cup for the presence of any cracks.
• If any cracks are found, replace the Lower Control Arm and ball joint.
The Recall Notification to the vehicle owners will include instructions on how to inspect
their vehicle to determine if the part is from the suspect mold cavity and to contact
Pierce directly with that information.
Pierce will determine if the part is from the suspect mold cavity (Cavity 1) and within the
recalled lots of material.
If Pierce determines the part is from the suspect cavity, Pierce will schedule with the
customer an inspection of the part to be performed by a 3rd party service to inspect the
part in the area of the ball joint cup for any cracks.
If the inspection identifies cracks in the part, Pierce will inform the customer to remove
the vehicle from service and to schedule service with their dealer to replace the cracked
part at no charge to them. Pierce will also notify the dealer of the findings and work with
them to schedule the replacement with the customer.
Pierce has parts available for replacement if any parts are found with cracks.

Pierce Manufacturing
2600 American Drive, Appleton, WI 54912-2017 • (888) 974-3723 FAX (920) 832-3353

VEHICLES INVOLVED
The vehicles involved were built between 2009 and 2013 with Lower Control Arms produced
from lots 096K and 219H. Federal law prohibits the sale of any of the affected vehicles.
Involved vehicles have been identified by Pierce job numbers and are listed on
Pierceparts.com. Computer listings contain the complete job number, owner name and
address data. Owner name and address data will enable dealers to follow up with owners
involved in this campaign. Pierce has identified these vehicles based on Lower Control Arm
lot number.
DEALER RESPONSIBILITY
It is the dealer’s responsibility to support the customers on the defined list and to encourage
the apparatus owner to inspect their vehicles and provide Pierce the information requested.
If the dealer is contacted by the customer regarding this recall and the inspection process,
they are to direct the customer to contact Pierce directly. The dealer must also support any
replacement service if determined to be required and to schedule an appointment for the
remedy. Please make sure the customer is aware the remedy will be performed by Pierce
without charge.
Thank you for your support and understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact me at 920-832-3342, or Kevin Hanegraaf at 920-832-3235.

Sincerely,

Don Chomic
Director, Product Safety

Pierce Manufacturing
2600 American Drive, Appleton, WI 54912-2017 • (888) 974-3723 FAX (920) 832-3353