1997 Western Star Constellation
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Western Star › Constellation › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Western Star Constellation. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Western Star Constellation. Newest first.
Vehicle description: heavy duty 6X4 trucks equipped with either hendrickson rt/rs series suspensions or chalmers 800 series suspensions, with a wheel base greater than 250 inches, and western star's air '96' air brake system without anti-lock brakes. these vehicles do not meet the air brake release time required by fmvss no. 121, "air brake systems."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Air brake release time may be longer than anticipated by the operator increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install an in-line quick release valve in each of the drop lines to the rear most brake chambers.
Vehicle description: conventional trucks and truck/tractors equipped with a firewall adapter plate for the steering shaft boot. Insufficient clearance between the top of the steering shaft and the top of the opening in the adapter plate can cause the steering shaft to contact the top of the firewall adapter opening wearing a groove in the steering shaft.…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the steering shaft fails, steering control will be lost increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the firewall adapter plate on the affected vehicles.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering columns
These vehicles were equipped with a firewall adapter plate for the steering shaft boot with an insufficient clearance between the steering shaft and the top opening in the adapter plate.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10044353Western star: around the diesel exhaust fluid (def) an excessive amount of crystal or powder built up indicates a leak caused by evaporation of def exposed to air and/or dampness.
- 10043820Western star: lubricate wheel bearings, rear drive axles.
- 10039624Western star trucks: the procedure to replace the power steering pump with a different version pump.
- 10039623Western star trucks: information on wheel bearing lubrication in the rear axle.
- 10039622Western star trucks: instructions to remove, inspect, and reseal the lower pinion cover on the rear axles.
- 10039621Western star trucks: the rear suspension air-spring assembly has been redesigned.
- 10038246Western star trucks: there are new cgi bellows due to current ones that are prone to failure.
- 10036725Western star: epa07 exhaust bellows replacement. If a failed exhaust bellows on an epa07 engine installation, replace it with a new style bellows, and two new matching clamps. No model years listed. Updated on 6/14/2011. Updated 4/20/12.
- 10033172Western star: trw tas85 steering gear internal leakage test. Some trw tas85 steering gears have been equipped with an internal relief valve. These steering gears are typically installed with power steering pumps that have a pressure relief rating greater than 2175 psi (150 bar). The internal relief valve limits maximum supply pressure to protect the steering gear. No model years listed.
- 10031844Western star truck: 5 piece back of cab service crossmember. 5 piece bolted service crossmembers are an improved, more durable service replacement for the tubular back of cab crossmembers. Follow steps to replace a tubular back of cab crossmember, with a 5 piece service crossmember.
- 10028724Western star: some barksdale height control valves have been returned for warranty because four bolts in the valve housing were overtightened, often, enough to crack valve housing. Model years unknown.
- 603169Conditions with the constellation cab sunvisor nut - plates.
- 52437Constellation door seals.
Every Western Star Constellation model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.