1998–2001 Western Alpenlite Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER…

The defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FIFTH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH DEXTER AXLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A BEARING OPTION KNOWN AS NEV-R-LUBE. THE OPTIONAL HUB UTILIZES A SEALED CARTRIDGE BEARING WHICH IS HELD IN PLACE WITH A RETAINING RING THAT PREVENTS THE HUB FROM SHIFTING ON THE BEARING. SOME OF THESE AXLE ASSEMBLIES WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT THE RETAINING RING.

The risk

THE ABSENCE OF THE RETAINING RING CAN ALLOW THE HUB TO SHIFT INWARD AND MAY RESULT IN BRAKE INTERFERENCE OR TIRE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE. BRAKING PROBLEMS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TIRE CONTACT TO THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE CAN RESULT IN OVERHEATING AND POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A FIRE OR CAUSE THE TIRE TO BLOWOUT.

The fix — what to do

DEXTER AXLE WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED AXLES FREE OF CHARGE.

DEXTER AXLE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DEXTER AXLE AT 800-400-2164 OR WESTERN RV AT 1-509-457-4133.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).