Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 10,000 OR 12,000 POUND DANA FRONT AXLES. A CONDITION CALLED BRAKE "SPRAG", WHICH IS CHARACTERIZED BY A NOISE AT THE END OF AN APPLIED STOP, CAN DEVELOP IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS NOISE IS THE RESULT OF A PULSATION OF THE BRAKE LINING WITH THE BRAKE DRUM DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. THESE NOISE VIBRATIONS OCCUR AT THE RESONANT FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT AXLE CROSS-TUBE ASSEMBLY AND CAUSE UNUSUALLY HIGH STRAIN FORCES IN THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD ENDS THAT ARE CONNECTED TO THE CROSS-TUBE.
Risk. FAILURE OF THE TIE ROD END CAN CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LINING ON THE FRONT AXLE OF EACH VEHICLE WITH A LINING MADE OF A DIFFERENT COMPOSITION. IN ADDITION, THE TIE ROD ENDS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 12, 2001. 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 KENWORTH AT 1-425-828-5000.