NHTSA recall 08E065000 · Equipment
Power train › Axle assembly
The defect
Arvinmeritor IS recalling 3,645 remanufactured trailer axles shipped for aftermarket use between july 9, 2007 and august 20, 2008. these axles were originally manufactured using a process known as 'grotnes' which results in the spindle being more susceptible to develop cracks on the internal surface of the spindle during subsequent lifetimes. in addition, some of the suspect axles may have insufficient or contaminated grease.
The risk
Should spindle cracks develop and propagate to the exterior surface, there IS a risk that the spindle and the attached components could separate from the axle. also, the condition of insufficient or contaminated grease may potentially result in the wheel-end bearings to cease functioning as a rolling element, and thereby potentially result in a wheel-end separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The remedy
Arvinmeritor will notify owners and replace the affected axles free of charge. the recall began on march 5, 2009.