Vehicle recall 79V044000 · January 5, 1979
Flxible 35096, 45096 and 1 more model
A hardened washer required in mounting the upper radius rod bracket to the top of the front axle was omitted during assembly.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace brackets without charge to owner.
- 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 79V044000
- Reported to NHTSA
- January 5, 1979
- Filed by
- GRUMMAN FLXIBLE CORP.
- Owner notification
- January 23, 1979
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 1,100
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Suspension
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Flxible 35096 (1976-1978): 1978, 1977, 1976
- Flxible 45096 (1976-1978): 1978, 1977, 1976
- Flxible 53096 (1976-1978): 1978, 1977, 1976
Has your Flxible been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Flxible dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.