NHTSA recall 08V017000
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Damon Escaper
The defect
On certain motor homes built on freightliner 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
Damon IS working with freightliner and zf to replace the steering gear (please see 07v343 and 07e049). owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or damon at 937-596-6849.