Vehicle recall 79V164000 · July 9, 1979

Mack RL, RS and 4 more models

The flange head pinch bolts used in the yokes of the steering shaft assemblies may have been overstressed due to the bolts not being tightened to specifications.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The flange head pinch bolts used in the yokes of the steering shaft assemblies may have been overstressed due to the bolts not being tightened to specifications. As a result, the pinch bolts could break while in service.
Remedy: Flange head pinch bolts will be replaced with standard grade 8 fasteners without charge to owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: trucks.system: steering; flange head pinch bolts.consequences of defect: if breakage occurs, loss of steering control and avehicle accident could occur.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 79V164000
Reported to NHTSA: July 9, 1979
Filed by: MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED
Owner notification: January 11, 1980
Vehicles potentially affected: 4,640
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 79V164000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Mack RL (1979): 1979
Mack RS (1979): 1979
Mack RWL (1979): 1979
Mack RWS (1979): 1979
Mack WL (1979): 1979
Mack WS (1979): 1979

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