NHTSA recall 08V015000
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Newmar Dutch Star and 2 more
The defect
Certain motor home chassis built on freightliner vcl or XC chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears, these gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. this could potentially allow the recirculating balls to escape from the recirculating ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.
The risk
The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.
The remedy
Freightliner IS conducting this recall (please see 07v-343) and will replace the steering gear free of charge. owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or newmar at 574-773-7791.