Investigation PE86068: 1975–1981 Kenworth Kenworth

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jul 29, 1986

Closed

Sep 4, 1986

Model years

1975–1981

Subject

Steer axle hub failure

Component: Steering

Summary

Summary of information from manufacturer:in their october, 1982, responseto this office, paccar stated, ... Testing and analysis indicated aprojected life of over one million miles (1,000,000) when operated atrated load under usual and customary conditions.analysis:the hub appears to be susceptible to fatigue failure especiallyunder heavy braking, cornering and rough road conditions.although nosafety trend was identified during the original investigation, it isapparent that fatigue failures are occurring.the canadian ministry oftransport reports 25 recent complaints on this issue.previous informationshows that fatigue failures did not occur in the previous designed hub,or the rear design hub.presumably all three hubs are subjected to thesame types of dynamic loading, yet the k150-d-202 hub apparently fails ata higher rate than the other two.proposed action:open a pe.send an ir for updated statistics on thisalleged problem.

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.