Freightliner/eaton/drive axle housing
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: all vehicles equipped with eaton drive axles and axilok spindle nuts. the drive axle housings consist of a plate steel center section and two forged spindles, one of which is welded to each end of the center section. each spindle contains a keyway slot in which the locking tab for the wheel bearing nut locking mechanism is inserted. the length of the keyway slot may not be long enough to accommodate the tab causing the tab to be deformed or damaged during installation.
Safety Consequence
This locking tab prevents the wheel bearing nut from loosening during vehicle operation. if this tab is deformed, the nut can loosen allowing the wheel to separate from the axle increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the drive axle housing nuts with a conventional wheel nut hardware system.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Freightliner Llc or involving Suspension.
FAQ: Recall 96V233003
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 96V233003?
NHTSA recall 96V233003 was issued by Freightliner Llc on November 20, 1996. It addresses: Freightliner/eaton/drive axle housing. The recall affects approximately 1,410 vehicles, with the defect involving the Suspension component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Freightliner Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 96V233003 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.