Investigation PE03036: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jul 29, 2003

Closed

Oct 1, 2003

Model years

—

Subject

U-bolt/frame interference

Component: Suspension

Summary

Overbilt's response to odi's inquiry provided no additionally complaints or warranty claims.an odi field visit provided a detailed inspection and explanation of how the 20-ton suspension was designed and worked.there is a fixed clearance (0.05) between the u-bolts and frame.the u-bolts that clamp around a center tube are 1.08 in diameter.the suspension (u-bolt) is allowed a minimal range of rotation around the center tube.the u-bolts would not contact the frame due to normal rotation alone, however should the center tube or frame flex, contact is possible.field experience has shown that this contact has not caused sudden, catastrophic failures.over time, deformation of the u-bolt and/or frame may occur.should this continue, the driver, during the daily vehicle pre-trip inspection, would put the vehicle out of service before a risk to highway safety develops.therefore odi has determined that a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

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.