VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CONVENTIONAL TRUCKS AND TRUCK/TRACTORS EQUIPPED WITH A FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE FOR THE STEERING SHAFT BOOT. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE TOP OF THE OPENING IN THE ADAPTER PLATE CAN CAUSE THE STEERING SHAFT TO CONTACT THE TOP OF THE FIREWALL ADAPTER OPENING WEARING A GROOVE IN THE STEERING SHAFT. IF THE GROOVE IS ALLOWED TO WEAR DEEP ENOUGH, THE SHAFT CAN FAIL.
IF THE STEERING SHAFT FAILS, STEERING CONTROL WILL BE LOST INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FIREWALL ADAPTER PLATE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MAY 20, 1997.NOTE: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 WESTERN STAR AT 1-250-660-3319.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.