Vehicle recall 81V001000 · December 2, 1981

1980 Freightliner C.O.E.

An air brake hose fitting beneath the floor of the subject vehicles may rub against the rotating steering drive shaft, eventually causing the shaft to fracture.

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

Summary: An air brake hose fitting beneath the floor of the subject vehicles may rub against the rotating steering drive shaft, eventually causing the shaft to fracture. This condition could exist if a mechanic failed to orient the threaded 90 degree elbow fitting in the proper direction, or if the steering column was positioned incorrectly. Also, an improperly assembled bearing plate was installed on the steering drive shaft. This could cause the slip shaft to bottom out, resulting in damage to the steering yoke connection or to the internal parts of the gear box.
Remedy: The deck bearing plate will be replaced, a sleeve spacer will be added to the steering shaft under the floor and two parts will be added to the steering column attachment. This will be done without charge to the owner.
Notes: Vehicle description: heavy trucks, cab-over-engine models equipped with anintegral power steering system.system: steering; steering column shaft.consequences of defect: either defect may result in loss of steering control,without warning, and a vehicle accident.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 81V001000
Reported to NHTSA: December 2, 1981
Filed by: FREIGHTLINER CORP.
Owner notification: July 22, 1981
Vehicles potentially affected: 104
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Recall 81V001000 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.

Freightliner C.O.E. (1980): 1980

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