Another day, another Ford recall. The automaker is pulling back more than 103,000 F-150s for axle bolts that could break and cause a rollaway accident or loss of drive power. Trucks from the 2023 through 2025 model years are affected.
Recall documentation states that the affected vehicles are equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty Package and a 9.75-inch heavy-duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. In affected models, the rear axle hub bolt may break due to fatigue, allowing movement between the hub splines and axle shaft splines. Friction caused by that movement can cause wear on the hub splines and lead to a loss of torque to the wheels.
That wear may also cause the vehicle to roll away while in park and without the parking brake, and in some cases, a loss of power in 4×2 driving. Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA said both of those issues can increase the risk of a crash. The driver may notice a clicking sound as the bolt is worn or becomes loose, which will become more noticeable after it breaks completely.
Ford said it had received 194 warranty claims related to the problem, but no accidents or injuries have been reported. Ford will replace the right rear axle shaft assemblies with a new component that has updated spline geometries and fasteners.
[Images: Ford]
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