1997 Western Star Constellation Recalls

---

NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V151000
Manufacturer: WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: February 17th, 1997
Manufactured End Date: May 26th, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: October 10th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY 6X4 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH EITHER HENDRICKSON RT/RS SERIES SUSPENSIONS OR CHALMERS 800 SERIES SUSPENSIONS, WITH A WHEEL BASE GREATER THAN 250 INCHES, AND WESTERN STAR'S AIR '96' AIR BRAKE SYSTEM WITHOUT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 121, "AIR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

Consequence Summary:
AIR BRAKE RELEASE TIME MAY BE LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED BY THE OPERATOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IN-LINE QUICK RELEASE VALVE IN EACH OF THE DROP LINES TO THE REAR MOST BRAKE CHAMBERS.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OCTOBER 10, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WESTERN STAR AT 1-250-860-3319. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

---

NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V075000
Manufacturer: WESTERN STAR TRUCKS, INC.
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1995
Manufactured End Date: March 31st, 1997
Date of Owner Notification: June 9th, 1997

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CONVENTIONAL TRUCKS AND TRUCK/TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH A FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT BOOT. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE TOP OF THE OPENING IN THE ADAPTER PLATE CAN CAUSE THE STEERING SHAFT TO CONTACT THE TOP OF THE FIREWALL ADAPTER OPENING WEARING A GROOVE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THE GROOVE IS ALLOWED TO WEAR DEEP ENOUGH, THE SHAFT CAN FAIL.

Consequence Summary:
IF THE STEERING SHAFT FAILS, STEERING CONTROL WILL BE LOST INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recall Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 20, 1997.NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WESTERN STAR AT 1-250-660-3319.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.