EA86011 · EA
SUSPENSION Investigation
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:ALL VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON TOYOTA MINI TRUCKS WITH THE FRAME EXTENED 23 INCHES AND AFTERMARKET DUAL REAR WHEELS.THE DUAL REAR WHEELS ARE SUPPLIED BY CUSTOM AND COMMERCIAL WHEEL AND HAVE ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE WELDS.ANALYSIS:THE VEHICLES HAVE A CURB WEIGHT OF 4900 POUNDS WHICH ALLOWS600 POUNDS FOR FLUIDS, OPTIONS, EQUIPMENT AND PASSENGERS.THE WHEELWELD PROBLEM APPEARS TO RESULT FROM THE USE OF RADIAL TIRES AND CAUSESLOSS OF TIRE AIR PRESSURE.AIR PRESSURE LOSS, PARTICULARLY ON THEINSIDE DUAL CAN RESULT IN PREMATURE AXLE FAILURE.STATUS:DEFECT REVIEW PANEL MEETING HELD ON 4/27/87. CLOSED THIS EA AND OPENED INVESTIGATIVE CASE C87-001-009.===