Western Star 4900: Steering

Affects Western Star 4900 · 2002–2011 — about 608 vehicles.

The hazard

On certain twin-steer 4900SA vehicles, the spacer used to connect the aft steer axle idler arm to the frame rail may develop cracks and eventually break under severe steering conditions. This would allow the idler arm to separate from the frame rail, resulting in diminished steering control, which could lead to a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the tubular shaped spacer bracket with a solid spacer block.

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