VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND CHASSIS-CABS. AN AUTOMATIC LOCKING FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT WAS DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION OR REMOVAL BY INCORRECT TOOLS OR AN INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION WAS USED.
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE NUT TO ROTATE FREELY AND LOSE TORQUE. IT COULD ROTATE UNTIL IT IS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE FRONT SPINDLE AND ALLOW THE FRONT WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUTS WITH CASTLE NUTS AND COTTER PINS.
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN APRIL 15, 1998.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 FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).