Investigation EA02036: 1996–2002 Freightliner Sterling

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Dec 11, 2002

Closed

Jan 26, 2004

Model years

1996–2002

Subject

Abs corrosion extends stopping dist

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Summary

The tone ring tooth profile of an uncoated hydraulic disc brake degrades after exposure to corrosive environments.when the tone ring tooth profile has degraded in freightliner vehicles, the abs warning light illuminates reliably to warn the operator to have the abs system serviced.in response to odi's inquiry, freightliner has issued information to all affected owners that alerts owners to the importance of responding to the illuminated abs warning light.freightliner adopted coated rotors during 2002 (date varies by model). Since neither odi nor freightliner have accurate data to forecast the corrosion resistance of coated rotors, odi plans to conduct a future survey at freightliner (in 18-24 months) to evaluate the durability of the coated rotors.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.