1977 Flxible 53096 Recalls

---

NHTSA Campaign Number: 79V044000
Manufacturer: FLXIBLE CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: November 1st, 1976
Manufactured End Date: December 1st, 1978
Date of Owner Notification: January 23rd, 1979

Defect Summary:
A HARDENED WASHER REQUIRED IN MOUNTING THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET TO THE TOP OF THE FRONT AXLE WAS OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY. THE OMISSION OF THE HARDENED WASHER COULD CAUSE A GAP UP TO .063" BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE MOUNTING FLANGE AND THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY. THIS GAP WILL PREVENT THE SPECIFIED CLAMPING FORCES FROM BEING APPLIED TO THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET. THE INABILITY TO CORRECTLY CLAMP THE UPPER RADIUS ROD BRACKET TO THE AXLE COULD CAUSE ABNORMAL STRESS LOADS TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRACKET DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. CONTINUED OPERATION UNDER THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN VERTICAL BRACKET FRACTURE. IF COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET OCCURRED, THE FRONT AXLE COULD SHIFT, CAUSING BINDING AND RUBBING OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND, EVENTUALLY, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Corrective Summary:
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE BRACKETS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Recall Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; AXLE RADIUS ROD.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLEACCIDENT AND SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES.