ArvinMeritor Recalls Drivelines Over Bearing Separation(Pic)

ArvinMeritor Recalls Drivelines Over Bearing Separation ArvinMeritor Inc. (USA; NYSE: ARM) is recalling almost 4,000 heavy-duty truck driveline assemblies due to u-joint bearing cup separation. Driveline parts can then fail and separate from the truck, becoming potentially lethal high-speed road debris. The recall involves 3,791 of AM's RPL20 high-angle inter-axle drivelines, shipped to Volvo Trucks North America and Freightliner between June 15, 2006 and August 28, 2006. In its notification, AM said an improperly seated, or missing, snap ring can result in the u-joint bearing cup separating from the slip-yoke subassembly. The displaced slip yoke could then be hit by the u-joint cross as it spins, causing the yoke to fracture. A truck with two powered axles would use the inter-axle RPL20 to carry power from the first driven axle to the one behind it. RPL20 is rated for 14,730 foot pounds of torque, and is part of AM's permanently greased driveline series, requiring no regular maintenance. As a downside, operators may fail to inspect the driveline, leaving problems undetected. U-joints in the RPL20 are double-row needle roller bearing units, sealed and with a nylon thrust washer to eliminate metal-to-metal contact. ArvinMeritor then goes on to describe the consequences: Should the driveline separate, the vehicle could become inoperable. In addition, a driveline that has separated from the vehicle could come in contact with nearby vehicles or persons, possibly resulting in a crash or personal injuries. The RPL20 is an older, well-proven design in use for over a decade. ArvinMeritor inherited the RPL line from Rockwell as part of its PermaLube line (RPL = Rockwell PermaLube). In its product description, ArvinMeritor describes the RPL20 u-joints as using snap rings as, "a secure, proven method for positioning u-joints to achieve a perfect fit." The description goes on to say: "bearing cups are accurately positioned for optimum performance and are held permanently in place with a steel weld strap. Bearing cup removal during assembly or disassembly is not required, eliminating the potential for contamination." With the steel weld strap in place, it is unclear how the cup could separate from the slip yoke sub-assembly and become the basis for the recall. Volvo, in its recall notice (Volvo: RVXX0605, NHTSA: 06V385000), said the build dates for the trucks it will recall covers a slightly wider range; 3,842 trucks built between June 1, 2006 and August 31, 2006.