Potential wheel problem prompts Freightliner recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 6, 2000) Ð Nearly 3000 Freightliner trucks are being recalled because water leaking in through a hubcap vent could cause a wheel to separate, according to a Dec. 29 recall notice issued by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The safety recall applies to 2976 Century, Argosy, FLD, and FLN models from the 1998 or 1999 model year equipped with ConMet Preset greased front hubs. Dealers will inspect the assembly and replace it if it is corroded, and replace the hubcap with an unvented version. Corrosion could cause the outboard bearing on the steering axle hubs to fail.

Freightliner says owners will receive a free remedy to correct the problem. The modification includes replacement of the front hubcaps Freightliner was to begin notifying owners of affected trucks during December 1999. For more information, contact your local Freightliner dealer.