Defect summary
CERTAIN TRAILERS WERE EQUIPPED WITH SYNTHETIC AXLE GREASE. WHEEL BEARING FAILURE OCCURS RESULTING IN DAMAGED WHEEL HUBS, AXLE SPINDLES, WHEEL SEALS, ETC.
Consequence
EXTREME HEAT CAN OCCUR THAT COULD CAUSE THE AXLE SPINDLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE AND CAUSE THE TIRES AND WHEELS TO COME OFF WHILE IN OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE TIRES AND WHEELS, DISASSEMBLE THE AXLE HUB WHEEL BEARINGS, AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY. THE SUSPECT GREASE WILL BE REMOVED AND CLEANED THOROUGHLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT RHODES AT 1-304-863-8078.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 03V436000. Text as published by NHTSA.