1981 International Harvester S2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › International Harvester › S2500 › 1981
These records cover every 1981 International Harvester S2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1981 International Harvester S2500. Newest first.
Bolts which mount the fifth wheel base plate to the frame brackets may not be securely fastened.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Upon inspection, bolts will be tightened, and any damaged parts will be replaced. All fasteners will be tightened to 145 to 175 ft. Lbs. As required.
Under certain circumstances, the output shaft of the steering gear may develop cracks at a location between the gear and the pitman arm mounting. The suspect component IS found on steering gears with the code 05057. Continued operation may result in fracture and disconnection of the steering linkage.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
The dealer will remove original output shaft from steering gear and replace it with a new case-hardened shaft free of charge.
The steering column yoke unit may have been assembled with a 3/8 inch bolt and 30-35 ft/lbs of torque instead of the specified 7/16 inch bolt requiring 60-65 ft/lbs.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
The inadequate bolt will be replaced with the proper 7/16 inch bolt and lock nut, and the proper torque of 60-65 ft/lbs will be applied.
Every International Harvester S2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.