Safety Recall RVXX1905 – Meritor FF967 Front Axle – 2015 Volvo VNL

August 21, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V617000

Axles May Fracture/Loss of Vehicle Control

Fracture of the axle beam can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V617

Manufacturer Volvo Trucks North America

Components SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected 20

 

Summary

Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2015 VNL vehicles equipped with Meritor FF967 Non-Drive Front Steer axles. The axles missed the heat treating operation during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing the axle beams to fracture.

 

Remedy

Volvo Trucks will notify the affected vehicle owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the axles as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact Meritor customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks’ number for this recall is RVXX1905.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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SAFETY RECALL

Date	Number	Release
09.2019	RVXX1905	01

 

Steer Axle, Replacement

VN

 

SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION:

(September 2019)

VOLVO Trucks has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain VN trucks equipped with Meritor axles manufactured from June 4, 2014 to June 13, 2014. A total of 33 axles were improperly heat treated causing a non-conforming metallurgical micro-structure. The 33 axles are to be inspected for the heat code “CA” and the axle serial number. If both the heat code “CA” and the axle serial number are in the list on page 6 (Table 1), the axle will need to be inspected and/or replaced according to the inspection and replacement procedures outlined in this safety recall.

VOLVO Trucks has received no reports of personal injury as a result of this condition. Therefore, VOLVO considers this as a proactive measure to protect the public and VOLVO’s customers from the potential risk associated with this defect.

 

VEHICLES AFFECTED:

Certain 2014 VOLVO VN model trucks manufactured from 06/04/2014 through 06/13/2014.

 

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (VIN):

The number of vehicles affected by this recall is 33 (20 USA, 9 Canada, 4 Mexico).

 

Replacement Parts:

Replacement parts are currently available and if needed will be provided by Meritor at no cost. The repair facilities should obtain replacement parts by contacting Meritor’s OnTrac Performance Plus Call Center by using any of the methods below:

Phone: 1-866-668-7221
Fax: 248-435-5580
Email: ontrac@Meritor.com

 

Parts Disposition:

Contact:

• Meritor OnTrac Customer Call Center at 1-866-668-7221
• email ontrac@meritor.com, and inform OnTrac the axle was removed and is ready for shipment back to Meritor. OnTrac will arrange for part pickup.

NOTE

The Illustrations shown in this document are used for reference only and may differ slightly from the actual vehicle being serviced. However, the replacement procedure represented as accurately as possible.

 

Decommissioning the Truck for Inspection or Repair:

1. Secure the vehicle for service by parking on a flat and level surface, placing the transmission in neutral, applying the parking brake, turning the ignition key to the OFF position, and chocking the front wheels.
2. Disconnect the cable from the battery’s negative (ground) terminal.

 

Meritor Steer Axle, Inspection:

1. Find and record the heat code stamped on the axle and the axle serial number located on the identification tag at the front/center of the steer axle. See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

NOTE

It may be necessary to clean paint and debris from the area in order to see the numbers.

 

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 5

 

2. Check for the following criteria to determine if the axle is affected.
3. Forging Date Code = 14128
4. Heat Code = CA
5. Machining Date Code = 14214
6. Check the axle serial number against the list on page 6 (Table 1) of this safety recall.

NOTE

If the axle meets ALL of this criteria: The axle will need to be replaced according to the Replacement Procedures in this technical bulletin. Before you begin service, first contact the Meritor OnTrac™ Customer Call Center at 866-668-7221 or email the center at ontrac@meritor.com. Use the pre-call worksheet at the back of this technical bulletin to collect required information. OnTrac will create a case number and send you the kit required for service.

 

NOTE

If the axle does NOT meet ALL of this criteria: Follow the OEM’s program guidance to close out the program warranty claim. Note the heat code and axle serial number in the OEM claim comments. Return the vehicle to the owner.

 

Table 1. Axle Serial Number List
MON01738566	MON01740425	MON01740944	MON01741322	MON01741328	MON01741334	MON01741341
MON01738617	MON01740426	MON01740946	MON01741323	MON01741329	MON01741335	MON01741342
MON01740421	MON01740427	MON01741318	MON01741324	MON01741330	MON01741336	MON01741343
MON01740422	MON01740941	MON01741319	MON01741325	MON01741331	MON01741337	MON01741344
MON01740423	MON01740942	MON01741320	MON01741326	MON01741332	MON01741338
MON01740424	MON01740943	MON01741321	MON01741327	MON01741333	MON01741339

 

Table 1

 

Meritor Steer Axle, Removal:

NOTE

This procedure will require referencing VOLVO’s procedures for completion. Please acquire all needed references prior to starting the repair.

 

NOTE

Most of the hardware in this procedure will be reused. Make sure to perform procedures in a clean, orderly manner to ensure easy installation.

 

1. Using the proper lifting equipment, lift and support the vehicle with safety (jack) stands.

NOTE

Wear safe eye protection while removing the steer axle assembly.

 

2. Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies.
3. Remove both front drums.
4. Remove both front hubs.
5. Disconnect the air line to the brake chamber.
6. Disconnect the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensor.
7. Remove both front brake assemblies.
8. Remove the cotter pin and nut from the steering arm end of the drag link.
9. Remove the drag link socket from the steering arm. Leave the socket intact on the drag link.
10. Support the I-beam. Remove the U-bolt nuts and washers. Remove the U-bolts.
11. Remove the I-beam. Keep the right and left caster shims and other suspensionhardware apart so they can be reinstalled on the same side they were originally located.
12. Contact the Meritor OnTrac™ Customer Call Center at 866-668-7221 or email the center at ontrac@meritor.com. Inform OnTrac™ that the axle was removed and is ready for shipment back to Meritor. OnTrac™ will arrange for pickup.

 

Meritor Steer Axle, Installation:

1. Place the new I-beam into position, ensuring that the metal tag is located toward the front of the vehicle. Reinstall the existing suspension components and shims on the side they were originally installed.

NOTE

Refer to VOLVO’s service instructions for correct assembly procedures and specifications.

 

2. Reinstall the drag link. Tighten the nut to VOLVO’s specification. Secure the nut with a cotter pin.
3. Install both brake assemblies. Ensure they are oriented in the same position as the original. Tighten the fasteners to specification.
4. Reconnect the ABS sensor cable.
5. Reconnect the air line to the brake chamber.
6. Install the hubs.

 

Hub Installation Steps
Step	Procedure
A	Install the new wheel seal provided in the kit.
B	Measure and adjust the wheel end play. Refer to VOLVO’s recommended instructions for adjusting the wheel end play and final nut torque specifications for the clamping pack used. Measure end play using a dial indicator to achieve the correct end play setting. Record final end play settings.
C	Install the new hub cap gaskets provided in the kit.
D	Fill the hubs with VOLVO’s suggested lubricant. Check the lubricant level again prior to releasing the vehicle.

 

7. Install the drums.
8. Install the wheel and tire assemblies according to VOLVO’s recommended instructions.
9. Adjust the brakes.
10. Grease the king pins and tie-rod ends.
11. Using a jack, lift and remove the vehicle from the safety (jack) stands.

 

Commissioning the Truck for Operation:

1. Connect the battery cable to the negative (ground) terminal.
2. Start the engine, build the proper air system pressure, check for air leaks, and proper service/park brake operation.
3. Remove the wheel chocks.
4. Perform an alignment.
5. Release the vehicle to the end user.
6. Complete the VOLVO’S program claim submittal.

 

Reimbursement:

This repair is covered by an authorized Safety Recall campaign. Reimbursement is obtained through the normal claim handling process.
	UCHP Reimbursement
Claim Type (used only when uploading from the Dealer Business System)	R
Recall Status
Vehicle repaired per instructions	1-Modified per instructions
Labor Code
Primary Labor Code (Steer Axle, Inspection)	6000-06-09-01 0.3 hrs
Labor Code (Steer Axle, Replacement)	6110-03-09-01 10.1 hrs
Causal Part	21608275
Authorization Number	C6611

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL RVXX1905
NHTSA RECALL # 19V-617

 

DEAR VOLVO TRUCK OWNER:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Volvo Trucks North America has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain MY 2015 VNL model vehicles manufactured from June 4, 2014 through June 11, 2014

VIN	MODEL	OWNER
	VNL64T

 

NOTICE REGARDING LEASED VEHICLES:	If you are a Lessor of vehicles subject to this Notice, you have an obligation under Federal Law to provide a copy of this Notice to all Lessees within 10 days of your receipt of this Notice.  Further, you must maintain a record, which identifies the Lessee(s) to whom you send a copy of this letter, the date you send this letter and the Vehicle Identification Number(s) of the vehicle that you have leased to that lessee.  For purposes of this Notice, the term Lessor means: a person or entity that is the owner, as reflected on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased vehicles (as defined in CFR Section 577.4), as of the date of notification by the manufacturer of the existence of a safetyrelated defect or non-compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard in one or more of the leased motor vehicles.
OWNER RECALL RESPONSE CARD:	The enclosed “Notice of Vehicle Recall” identifies your vehicle.  If you no longer own the vehicle, please help us update our records by completing the “Vehicle Disposition Record” portion of the enclosed postage-free Notice of Mandatory Safety Campaign card and mailing it back to us.
ASSISTANCE/ COMPLAINTS:	Volvo Trucks North America Regulatory Affairs Department, P.O. Box 26115 Greensboro, NC 27402-6115 vtna.regulatoryaffairs@volvo.comYou may also submit complaints to the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington DC 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hot Line at 1888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to https://www.safercar.gov if you believe that Volvo has failed to remedy the defect without charge, or has failed to remedy the vehicle within 60 days of the owners first tender to obtain repair following the earliest time that parts are available.If you have previously paid for repairs as a result of this issue, you may be entitled to recovery of those expenses.
PRE NOTIFICATION REMEDIES:	Submit copies of all documentation supporting your claim according to the rules specified in the “General Plan for Reimbursement of Prenotification Remedies” provided in this mailing.

 

We regret any inconvenience this may cause to your operation, but hope you will appreciate our sincere efforts to demonstrate Volvo’s commitment to provide our customers with the best possible product.

VOLVO TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

RVXX1905_OWNER_LTR_US
September 2019

 

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Bulletin: SRA-V19-05
Date: August 29, 2019

 

Region:

☒U.S.
☒CAN

 

From: Gerard Hones, Regulatory Specialist Government Reporting
Subject: Safety Recall RVXX1905, Meritor FF967 Front Axle

 

Description of Defect: 

There are thirty-three (33) 2015 VNL model trucks in total that may have been manufactured with a Meritor Model FF967 Non-Drive Front Steer axle with incorrect heat treatment (Reference Meritor Safety related defect report 19E-049).

 

Models/ Model Years Affected: 

Volvo: Certain MY 2015 VNL model vehicles manufactured from June 4, 2014 through June 11, 2014.

 

Vehicle Quantities: 

Volvo: 33 vehicles (20 in the U.S., 9 in Canada and 4 in Mexico).

 

Dealer’s Responsibility:

The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires dealers to ensure that all new and used vehicles are free of safety defects and comply with all relevant safety standards at the time of delivery to the consumer.

Dealers should make their personnel aware of the safety recall. In the event that a dealer has a vehicle included in the safety recall in their inventory to be sold, the condition must be corrected before releasing it to a customer.

 

Release Schedule:

• Vehicle list will be posted on the Trucks Dealer Portal August 29, 2019.
• Owner notification letters will be released on or before October 18, 2019.

If you have questions or concerns about this recall, contact the Regulatory Affairs Department at vtna.regulatoryaffairs@volvo.com.

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
VOLVO	VNL	2015

 

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9 Associated Documents

Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V617-7438.PDF 211.32KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V617-5519.PDF 211.424KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V617-8747.PDF 211.138KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V617-7058.PDF 211.237KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V617-1446.pdf 244.785KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V617-6490.pdf 126.211KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V617-1143.PDF 213.237KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V617-2254.pdf 143.264KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V617-2274.pdf 856.253KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V617&docType=RCL

 

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