The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·11E011000·Announced 2011-03-24

Bendix Automatic Slack Adjusters Recalled for Potential Housing Failure

Bendix is recalling certain automatic slack adjusters due to a casting defect that could cause the housing to break, reducing braking capacity and increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the braking system that could cause loss of braking capacity and result in a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is recalling certain Gunite automatic slack adjusters manufactured between October 15, 2010, and January 31, 2011. These units were repackaged as Bendix brand, with part numbers 974294, 974296, 977142, and 977143, and sold as aftermarket equipment to PACCAR parts distributors. One unit was sold to a Mack distributor.

The recall is due to an incomplete "knitting" of the iron during the casting process, which can result in inadequate structural integrity of the slack adjuster housing. This defect could cause the housing to break at the handle under normal operating loads. If the housing breaks, the attached wheel brake will no longer function, reducing the vehicle's braking capacity. If the component is mounted on the steer axle, the vehicle could pull to one side, potentially resulting in a crash.

Owners of record will be notified by Bendix. Gunite will replace any affected slack adjusters free of charge. The safety recall began on April 4, 2011. Owners may contact Gunite at 1-812-962-5000 or Bendix at 1-440-329-9000. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SLACK ADJUSTERS:AUTOMATIC recall
Manufacturer
BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
Category
Vehicle — Brake Components
Hazard
Affected units
64

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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