Western RWL SERIES recalls by model year

Reported: 1979-12-28 (December 28, 1979) · Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 204, "STEERING CONTROL REARWARD DISPLACEMENT". THE ALUMINUM FRONT SPRING REAR BRACKET IS SUBJECT TO BREAKAGE. THIS BRACKET, ALONG WITH THE TAPER LEAF FRONT SPRINGS, ATTACHES THE SPRING SHACKLE TO THE CHASSIS FRAME.

Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT ALUMINUM FRONT SPRING REAR BRACKET WITH A REDESIGNED SPRING BRACKET CONTAINING A REINFORCING RIB.

Reported: 1981-07-08 (July 8, 1981) · Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

DUE TO A DEFICIENCY IN MATERIAL STRENGTH, THE FRONT ENGINE SUPPORT BRACKETS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP CRACKS THAT COULD LEAD TO BRACKET FAILURE. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DROP DOWN INTO THE RADIATOR, DAMAGING THE SHROUD, ENGINE FAN, AND OTHER ASSOCIATED PARTS. THE ENGINE THROTTLE COULD BE PULLED INTO FULL GOVERNED POSITION.

Remedy: THE EXISTING SUPPORT BRACKETS WILL BE REPLACED WITH BRACKETS MADE OF DUCTILE IRON, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Reported: 1981-08-06 (August 6, 1981) · Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

INADEQUATE WELD POSITIONING COUPLED WITH RADIUS ROD LOAD AND LOOSENING OF THE SPRING CLIP NUTS COULD CAUSE SPRING SEAT FRACTURE. THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AXLE.

Remedy: SPRING SEAT RADIUS ROD BRACKETS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IN ADDITION, SUPPLEMENTAL BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO REINFORCE THE SPRING SEAT, WITHOUT CHARGE.

Reported: 1981-12-29 (December 29, 1981) · Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES PROVIDE LESS THAN THE REQUIRED TORQUE, CAUSING A SLUGGISH RETURN OF THE THROTTLE TO THE IDLE POSITION AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS".

Remedy: NEW ANCHOR BRACKETS AND SPRING EXTENSIONS FOR THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS, WILL BE INSTALLED AT CORRECTED LOCATIONS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Reported: 1984-03-23 (March 23, 1984) · Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982

SPRING SEAT CAN DEFORM, WHICH CAUSES A DECREASE IN THE CLAMPING FORCE IN THE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE MAY BRING ABOUT AXLE MISALIGNMENT OR AXLE HOUSING FAILURE.

Remedy: THE AXLE HOUSING WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED, IF NECESSARY. THE SPRING SEATS WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

Reported: 1984-03-22 (March 22, 1984) · Model years: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984

FRONT AXLE AIR BRAKE LINES ARE ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS CAN PERMIT BRAKE LINES TO MELT AND RUPTURE, CAUSING A REDUCTION IN AIR PRESSURE TO BRAKE CHAMBERS UPON BRAKE APPLICATION.

Remedy: FRONT AXLE AIR BRAKE LINES WILL BE REPLACED, EMPLOYING NEW ROUTING AND HEAT RESISTANCE IMPROVEMENTS.

Reported: 1984-03-22 (March 22, 1984) · Model years: 1983, 1984

IMPROPER STEERING CLAMP BOLTS AND TORQUE APPLIED DURING INSTALLATION. THE BOLT COULD FAIL, ALLOWING THE STEERING YOKE TO BECOME LOOSE.

Remedy: INSPECTION AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALLATION OF PROPER STEERING SHAFT CLAMP BOLTS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS.