March 14, 2019
Steering and Tie Rod Arm Bolts may be Loose
Loose steering and tie rod arm bolts can cause separation of the tie rod arm from the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V200
Manufacturer Thor Motor Coach![]()
Components STEERING, SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected 12
Summary
Thor Motor Coach
(TMC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Aria, and 2019 Palazzo motorhomes built on a Daimler Trucks
North America (DTNA) chassis equipped with Detroit Axle axles. The affected vehicles may have loose steering and tie rod arm bolts.
Remedy
TMC has notified owners, and DTNA dealers will inspect the steering arm and tie rod arm bolts for to make sure that they are properly tightened, installing new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 15, 2019. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks
North America at 1-800-547-0712 to locate a Qualified Service Center or may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000166.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
SAFETY RECALL BULLETIN February 2019 D18R7 (FL802) NHTSA #18V-913 (Non-School Buses) #18V-914 (School Buses) Transport Canada #18-719 (Non-School Buses) #18-720 (School Buses) Subject: DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection
Issue Involved
Daimler TrucksVehicles Involved
A list of vehicles that require this inspection is attached. The table below gives descriptive information to help identify the affected units:| Front Axle Model Series | Front Axle Model Number | Model Year | Inclusive Front Axle Mfg. Date (From) (To) |
| Model 2 | DA-F-8.0-2 | 2017-2018 | February 1, 2017 to July 17, 2018 |
| Model 3 | DA-F-8.0-3 DA-F-10.0-3 DA-F-10.5-3 DA-F-12.0-3 DA-F-12.5-3 DA-F-13.0-3 DA-F-13.3-3 DA-F-14.7-3 | ||
| Model 5 | DA-F-16.0-5 DA-F-18.0-5 DA-F-20.0-5 |
Owner Notification
A copy of the owner letter that will be used by Detroit Diesel is enclosed with this Safety Recall Bulletin.Dealer Campaign Responsibility
Detroit Diesel authorized DetroitTM Axle repair facilities to service all axles subject to this Safety Recall. Safety Recall D18R7 is to be performed at no charge. Please use the appropriate steps, noted below, for indicating that Safety Recall D18R7 has been completed.Daimler Trucks North America Vehicles
- Check the base label (Form WAR259) to see if Safety Recall D18R7 has been completed. The base label is usually located on the passenger-side door about 30 cm (12 inches) below the door latch. If Safety Recall D18R7 has been completed, no further work is needed. If base label is not located on the passenger-side door, please affix label (Form WAR259) 30 cm (12 inches) from the door latch.
- Upon completion of Safety Recall D18R7, clean a spot on the base label (Form WAR259), write the Safety Recall Number (D18R7) on a blank, black completion sticker (Form WAR261), and attach it to the base label.
Ordering Information
- If you do not have the appropriate Form or Labels (DDC_WAR 259, DDC_WAR 260. DDC_WAR 261), they can be ordered from EPI Printers by emailing your order to [email protected].
- You can also fax in your order to 269-698-4240 Attn: Corrina Cotton. Contact EPI Printers at 734-464-9000.
Parts Information
There are no parts required for this Safety Recall unless an under-torque capscrew is discovered. If the inspection results require capscrew replacement, or capscrew, steering arm and steering knuckle replacement, the required parts for this repair are shown below in Table 1. Note that DetroitTM expects a very low percentage of vehicles on the list to require any parts replacement.| Front Axle Model Series | Part Number | Quantity | Description |
| Model 2 and Model 3 | MBA 308676020025 | 2 | Capscrew, Steering Arm – M20 x 1.5 x 80mm, 10.9 |
| MBA 308676020022 | 4 | Capscrew, Tie Rod Arm – M20 x 1.5 x 90mm, 10.9 | |
| Model 5 | MBA 308676024003 | 2 or 4 (Dual Steer) | Capscrew, Steering Arm – M24 x 2.0 x 90mm, 10.9 |
| MBA 308676024002 | 4 | Capscrew, Tie Rod Arm – M20 x 2.0 x 100mm, 10.9 | |
| All Models | Refer to DTNAConnect.com and PartsPro | Steering Knuckle | |
| All Models | Refer to DTNAConnect.com and PartsPro | Steering Arm | |
| All Models | Refer to DTNAConnect.com and PartsPro | Tie Rod Arm | |
| All Models | PEX 27010 or locally available equivalent | Loctite® 277 Red Threadlocker or equivalent |
Capscrew Inspection Procedure
Note: Each vehicle and axle configuration may require different extensions to properly get the socket onto the capscrew so that the torque can be checked. In most cases, all of the capscrews are accessible with the steering wheel turned all the way to the left or to the right with the hood open.- Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left to expose the steering arm capscrews and the front tie rod arm capscrew on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The rear tie rod arm capscrew on the passenger’s side should also be accessible from behind the tire.
- Apply the parking brake, turn off the ignition, chock the rear wheels, and perform any other applicable safety steps.
- Using a suitable torque wrench, check the torque on the two steering arm capscrews as well as the forward tie rod capscrew on the driver’s side and the rear tie rod capscrew on the passenger’s side. See Figure 1.
- Are the capscrews at the correct torque?
- Yes; proceed to step 5 to check the other capscrews.
- No; mark which capscrews are at low torque before proceeding to step 5 to check the rest of the capscrews. Any capscrews that are below the correct torque will need to be repaired following the instructions starting in step 9.
| PERSONAL INJURY |
| Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm. |
| PERSONAL INJURY |
| To avoid injury before starting and running the engine, ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, parking brake is set, and the wheels are blocked. |
| ENGINE EXHAUST |
| To avoid injury from inhaling engine exhaust, always operate the engine in a well-ventilated area. Engine exhaust is toxic. |
- With the parking brake applied and the rear wheels chocked, start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to expose the front tie rod arm capscrew on the passenger’s side of the vehicle and the steering arm capscrews on vehicles equipped with dual steering arms. The rear tie rod arm capscrew on the driver’s side should also be accessible from behind the tire.
- Turn off the ignition and perform any other applicable safety steps.
- Check the torque on the two steering arm capscrews (if vehicle is equipped) as well as the forward tie rod capscrew on the passenger’s side and the rear tie rod capscrew on the driver’s side using the same tools and specifications as in step 3 above.
- Are the capscrews at the correct torque?
- Yes; no further work is needed.
- No; mark which capscrews are at low torque and proceed to the repair instructions starting in step 9.
Capscrew Repair Procedure
- Remove the two capscrews from the steering or tie rod arm where the low torque capscrew(s) was identified, and remove the steering or tie rod arm. Reference section “Dissasembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles chapter of the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
- Inspect the joint surface between the steering or tie rod arm and steering knuckle for signs of fretting, dents, or other damage from the loose capscrew(s). See Figure 2 and 3 for examples of damaged parts, and Figure 4 for an example of a new part.
- Are the joint surfaces of either the steering or tie rod arm or steering knuckle damaged?
- Yes; proceed to step 12 to replace the knuckle and the arm.
- No; proceed to step 14 to replace the capscrews only.
- Remove the steering or tie rod arm and steering knuckle. Reference section “Dissasembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles chapter of the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
- Install a new steering or tie rod arm and new steering knuckle. Reference section “Assembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles chapter of the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
- Install two new steering or tie rod arm capscrews. Reference section “Assembly of the Steering Knuckle” in the Front Axles chapter of the Detroit Axles Manual (DDC-SVC-MAN-0141).
- Repairs are complete.
Warranty Information
| Notice | |
| There are nine different labor codes listed below. Use only one of these codes when filing the claim, depending on the repair necessary. | |
| Claim administration time, SRT 939-6010A, for 0.3 hours will automatically be added. | |
| Claim Type: | CAMPAIGN |
| Modification: | D18R7 |
| Cause Code: | A1-CAMPAIGN |
| Primary Failed Part: | MBA 308676020022 |
| PROCEDURE A | |
| Use this operation if all capscrews are verified to have proper torque | |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061A |
| Labor: | 0.7 Hours |
| PROCEDURE B | |
| Use one of the following labor operations if any of the capscrews are found to have low torque and only the capscrews need to be replaced | |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061B (If one steering/tie rod arm is found with low torque) |
| Labor: | 2.2 Hours |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061C (If two steering/tie rod arms are found with low torque) |
| Labor: | 3.5 Hours |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061D (If three steering/tie rod arms are found with low torque) |
| Labor: | 4.9 Hours |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061E (If four steering/tie rod arms are found with low torque) |
| Labor: | 6.2 Hours |
| Parts Return: | NONE |
| PROCEDURE C | |
| Use one of the following labor operations if any of the capscrews are found to have low torque and there is damage to the steering/tie rod arm and knuckle mating surfaces; This requires replacement of the entire knuckle on one or both sides of the vehicle. | |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061F (If only one knuckle is found to be damaged and the other side passes the torque check) |
| Labor: | 3.2 Hours |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061G (If only one knuckle is found to be damaged and one arm on the other side is found with low torque, but is not damaged) |
| Labor: | 4.5 Hours |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061H (If only one knuckle is found to be damaged and both arms on the other side are found with low torque, but are not damaged) |
| Labor: | 5.9 Hours |
| Labor Code: | 996-R061I (If both knuckles are found to be damaged and must be replaced) |
| Labor: | 5.5 Hours |
| Parts Return: | REQUIRED |
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
February 2019 18R7 (FL802) NHTSA #18V-913 (Non-School Buses) #18V-914 (School Buses)IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle(s)
Subject: DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Daimler Trucks- The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
- What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done.
- Who repaired the vehicle.
- The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
- Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt).
Daimler Trucks North America LLC
February 2019 D18R7 (FL802) Transport Canada #18-719 (Non-School Buses) #18-720 (School Buses)Subject: DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Daimler TrucksDaimler Trucks North America LLC
Février 2019 D18R7 (FL802) Transports Canada n° 18-719 (non autobus scolaires) N° 18-720 (autobus scolaires) Objet : Inspection des boulons de montage de l’axe / des biellettes de direction DetroitMC Le présent avis vous est envoyé conformément à la Loi canadienne sur la sécurité des véhicules automobiles. Daimler TrucksDaimler Trucks
North America LLC
February 2019
18R7 (FL802)
NHTSA #18V-913 (Non-School Buses)
#18V-914 (School Buses)
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
This notice applies to your vehicle(s)
Subject: DetroitTM Axle Steering Arm / Tie Rod Arm Capscrew Inspection
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Daimler Trucks
North America LLC, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Detroit Diesel Corporation, has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on specific Freightliner
108SDM, 114SD,122SD, 4700, 4900, Business Class M2, and Cascadia model vehicles; Freightliner
Custom Chassis, MT45, MT55, S2G, 2RV, XBS, XCL, XCM, XCR, and XCS chassis; and Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2, Saf-T-Liner HDX, and Saf-T-Liner EFX model school buses manufactured February 10, 2017, through July 21, 2018, with certain Detroit Axles.
On certain vehicles, the steering and tie rod arm bolts that join the steering and tie rod arm to the knuckle may not have accurate torque specification data. Without verification of torque data on the steering and tie rod arm bolts, it is unclear if the bolts were torqued to specification. Under torqued bolts may lead to a separation of the tie rod and disconnect the front wheels of the vehicle. A disconnect of the front wheels can reduce the ability to steer the vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Axles will be inspected for correct torque and repaired if necessary.
Please contact an authorized Detroit Diesel Authorized Repair Facility to arrange to have the Recall performed and to ensure that parts are available at the dealership. To locate an authorized dealer, search online at
https://demanddetroit.com/find-a-dealer/. The Recall will take approximately six hours and will be performed at no charge to you.
You may be liable for any progressive damage that results from your failure to complete the Recall within a reasonable time after receiving notification.
If you do not own the vehicle that corresponds to the identification number(s) which appears on the Recall Notification, please return the notification to the Warranty Campaigns Department with any information you can furnish that will assist us in locating the present owner. If you have leased this vehicle, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to the lessee within 10 days. If you are a subsequent stage manufacturer, Federal law requires that you forward this notice to your distributors and retail outlets within five working days.
If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected prior to this notice, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. Requests for reimbursement may include parts and labor. Reimbursement may be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by a Detroit Authorized Repair Facility.
The following documentation must be presented to your dealer for consideration for reimbursement. Please provide original or clear copies of all receipts, invoices, and repair orders that show:
- The name and address of the person who paid for the repair.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle that was repaired.
- What problem occurred, what repair was done, when the repair was done.
- Who repaired the vehicle.
- The total cost of the repair expense that is being claimed.
- Proof of payment for the repair (such as the front and back of a cancelled check or a credit card receipt).
Reimbursement will be made by check from your Detroit Diesel dealer. Please speak with your Detroit Diesel authorized dealer concerning this matter.
If you have questions about this Recall, please contact the Detroit Diesel Customer Support Center, 13400 Outer Drive West, Detroit, MI 48239, or call (800) 445-1980 (Eastern Standard Time). Detroit Diesel’s Customer Support Center is open 24 Hours / 7 Days a Week. If you are not able to have the defect remedied without charge and within a reasonable time, you may wish to submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY: 800-424-9153); or to https://www.safercar.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this action may cause but feel certain you understand our interest in motor vehicle safety.
DETROIT DIESEL WARRANTY CAMPAIGNS DEPARTMENT
Enclosure
3 Affected Products
Vehicles
| THOR | ARIA | 2018-2019 |
| THOR | PALAZZO | 2019 |
5 Associated Documents
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – FL802_D18R7 Safety Recall Bulletin
RCMN-19V200-7326.pdf 469.613KB
Recall Acknowledgement
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V200-8921.PDF 214.155KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-19V200-7332.pdf 469.613KB
ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-19V200-9479.pdf 33.671KB
Latest Recalls Documents
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