- Component
- STEERING; STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
- Problem
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2016 Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles, equipped with certain Dana Spicer steer axles. The castellated nut on the steer axles may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
- Risk
- If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening as necessary. If the nuts do not become properly secured and aligned after being adequately torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on October 5, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
The castellated nut securing the tie rod on the steer axle may not have been torqued properly at the factory, so the tie rod can loosen over time. If it loosens, the tie rod may come apart from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and raising the risk of a crash.
The recall covers certain steer axles on these vehicles. Dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod and tighten them as needed. If the nuts still cannot be properly secured and aligned after being tightened, the dealer will replace the steering knuckle and tie rod end assemblies. All repairs are free of charge. Owners can also contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928, and should check their vehicle identification number for any open recalls.
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| KME Airport Refueler | 2016 |
|---|---|
| KME Predator Pumper | 2016 |
| KME Predator Rescue | 2016 |