International 4000, 5500I +3 more: Steering

Affects International 4000, 5500I, 2000, 9200I, 8100 · 2001 — about 38 vehicles.

The hazard

Certain heavy duty vehicles equipped with a 20,000 pound rated Dana I-200 front steer axles. There are visible cracks in the seal diameter and large bearing diameter on the front axle knuckles, which can reduce the life expectancy of the knuckles. If one of the suspect steering knuckles fails, the wheel at that wheel end would completely separate from the vehicle without warning and the driver would experience a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the two front steering knuckles.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational