Ocala, Fla. – Dec. 16, 2016 – E-One Inc. is announcing the recall of certain tandem axle Cyclone fire trucks due to problems with their suspension air bags, which could reduce vehicle stability.
The Defect
E-One will recall Cyclone vehicles from model years 2010-2016 manufactured between July 15, 2010 and June 12, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These vehicles have FIREMAAX suspension and aerial jack legs, which are meant to hold them steady when the vehicles are parked and ladders are extended. However, the suspension air bags may lose pressure, resulting in damage and eventual failure. This could mean loss of vehicle stability and an increased risk of crashes.
Timeline of Events
- During a recent training event, E-One received an email regarding failed FIREMAAX air bags.
- E-One investigated the failure and determined that the cause was a rapid jack retraction on depressurized air bags that occurred when wheels were removed from the ground for an extended period of time – such as when vehicle ladders were in use. Further investigation revealed that this was not a universal problem. In fact, E-One found that only tandem axle FIREMAAX suspension lost pressure.
- E-One determined that the affected vehicles ought to be recalled Nov. 10, 2016.
Resolution
Departments that own vehicles that are part of this recall should contact E-One for further instructions. Trucks that have the relevant components should be taken to the nearest dealership, where they will received pressure protection valves on their height control valves. This will prevent the air bags from slowly depressurizing when deployed. The work will be done at no cost to owners.
