Wheel End may Separate from Axle

Background On October 1, 2015, SAF-Holland notified the agency that it is recalling certain 5-Inch Tapered Axles used in trailer applications, part numbers 24790175090, 24790745090, and 24790165090, manufactured December 13, 2011, to December 25, 2011. In the affected axles, the wheel end may separate from the axle due to an out of specification material thickness on the spindle. A wheel end that separates from the trailer axle increases the risk of a crash. This matter was assigned recall number 15E-080. In its 573 Defect Notification Report, SAF-Holland identified that it sold loose axles to Vanguard National Trailer Corporation designated to be installed as original equipment to multiple trailers manufacturers. On August 12, 2016, an Equipment Query (EQ) was opened to obtain a list of purchasers that were sold these axles so they are made aware of SAF-Holland’s safety defect decision and to ensure the follow-up on defect decisions are made as to the products that incorporated the defective equipment. On November 3, 2016, SAF-Holland responded via email and provided the requested purchaser list. RECALL MANAGEMENT DIVISION ACTION RMD sent letters to each purchaser between November 4, and December 2, 2016 and requested that a safety recall decision be made, that the requisite notice be filed, and that a recall campaign be conducted where appropriate. As a result, one company filed a defect report and is conducting a safety recall: • Pratt Industries – NHTSA recall number 17V-041 The following company provided a written statement that it did not sell any products containing the defective axles to customers: • The Modern Group After numerous attempts, the following companies did not respond to the NHTSA inquiry and have been referred to Chief Counsel: • General Services • Midwest Metal • Drake Trailers The following companies are out of business. • Majona Steel • Bourbon Trailers Accordingly, this Equipment Query investigation is closed. Copies of documents associated