NHTSA recall 03V380000
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Pierce Custom Chassis
The defect
On certain fire trucks with tandem steer axles. the trw tie-rod on the rear-most axle of a tandem axle IS restrained from rotational movement by a pair of anti-rotation seals located at the ball socket joints. these anti-rotation seals will compress over time. if the anti-rotation seal allows too much motion, the seals can deteriorate, allowing contact between the ball socket and the ball shaft. this metal-to-metal contact will transmit forces into the tie-rod tube, causing fatigue failure initiating at the root of the female treads.
The risk
Failure of the tie-rod will allow one of the wheels to swing to the limit of its steering stop, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rod. notification to owners began november 7, 2003. owners should contact pierce at 1-888-974-3723.