Failure of spring hangers

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Freightliner vehicles. Closed 22 May 1987.

Investigation
EA85036
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
31 July 1985
Closed
22 May 1987

What NHTSA investigated

Summary of information from manufacturer:freightliner believes thatloosening of the rear suspension spring hanger bracket mounting bolts doesnot pose a hazard to motor vehicle safety.they state that the looseningof such fasteners does not significantly affect control of the vehicle.they claim that separation of these bolts would occur only if the operatorwere negligent by repeatedly failing to do the required maintenance.analysis:lack of maintenance on attaching hardware appears to be theprimary cause of the alleged problem.freightliner rectified the problemby switching to a larger fastener in 1983.STATUS:AT freightliner's request, a meeting was held on march 2, 1987 inresponse to our recall request letter of february 3RD.DURING the meetingfreightliner was granted an extension (until march 23, 1987) to reply tothe recall request. Reply received on 3/20/87.FREIGHTLINER declined torecall.this ea was closed on 5/22/87.===

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
FreightlinerFREIGHTLINER1977–1983

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.