Trucking news and briefs for Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024:
47K Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks recalled over steering gear assembly issue
Paccar is recalling more than 47,000 trucks due to an issue that could result in a loss of steering control, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.
The recall impacts approximately 47,208 model year 2024-‘25 Kenworth T280, T380, T480, T680, T880, L770 and W990 models, along with model year 2024-‘25 Peterbilt 389, 520, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579 and 589 trucks.
In the affected units, Paccar said the steering gear assemblies may have been assembled incorrectly with fewer recirculating balls than are required, which may result in a loss of steering control.
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 25. Owners may contact Peterbilt customer service at 1-940-591-4220 with recall number 24PBC and/or Kenworth customer service at 1-425-828-5888 with recall number 24KWC. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-044.
Paccar also recalled an additional 47 units for a separate issue. In certain 2024 Peterbilt 389, 520, 567, and Kenworth T880 trucks, the bearing journals may not be fully seated in the steering knuckle assemblies, preventing the proper installation of the wheel end hub assemblies. An improperly installed wheel end hub assembly can leak oil, causing the axle spindles to loosen or fracture and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering knuckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 25. Owners can contact Peterbilt customer service with recall number 24PBB and/or Kenworth customer with recall number 24KWB. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-043.
[Related: Navistar recalls some severe-, medium-duty Internationals]
Georgia Ports Authority plans overpass project for trucks
The Georgia Ports Authority has announced plans to invest $29 million in an overpass linking the Port of Savannah's Ocean Terminal to Route 17, designed to keep terminal truck traffic from impacting local neighborhoods. The Port of Savannah features two terminals, the Ocean Terminal and the Garden City Terminal.
The project is the outcome of joint collaboration among Georgia Ports Authority, the state DOT, and the city of Savannah. Led by GPA, the initiative started with talking to communities near Ocean Terminal and hearing their concerns on the impact of increased truck traffic on neighborhood streets.
The planned overpass will enable trucks to directly access Route 17, as opposed to using Louisville Road and local streets to enter the highway. The Georgia Ports Authority will construct the overpass and roadway entrance to U.S. 17 according to Georgia DOT specs, with a projected completion date in 2026. The roadway will then be turned over to GDOT for their maintenance and repair.
The proposed overpass will take trucks off of streets going through local neighborhoods.Georgia Ports Authority
“This is a port project in the best interest of the community,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We want to keep trucks off local neighborhood roads for safety and sustainability reasons.”
In addition to the overpass and entrance ramp construction to Route 17, GPA will also build a dedicated exit ramp from Route 17 and a new truck-only entrance roadway into Ocean Terminal designed for enhanced safety and traffic operations for the traveling public.
Daimler recalls small number of trucks for ESC issue
Daimler Trucks North America is recalling certain approximately 7 model year 2024-‘25 Western Star 49X and 2025 Freightliner Cascadia trucks in which the electronic stability control (ESC) software has incorrect axle spacing parameters.
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 136, "Electronic Stability Control Systems on Heavy Vehicles." Incorrect parameters can decrease vehicle stability or braking performance, increasing the risk of crash, the recall states.
Dealers will update the ESC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 31. Owners can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with recall number FL993. NHTSA’s recall number is 24V-058.
