Ford Recalls 103K F-150 Over Damaged Axle Bolts

[tide1996]

I would have a pilot hole drilled and then a cotter key put in the end of the castle nut so you know that it would not loosen wonder why they didn’t go that route

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[JoeF]

I have an appointment at the dealer for an inspection then if something is broken they will order the part(s). I assume the truck would have to live at the dealership until the part(s) come in and they fix it. Major inconvenience -- how will I get home? And I have a camping trip coming up that is already paid for.

If it is OK at the time they inspect it then breaks on the way home, how will I know? Keep bringing it back every month? For how many months? Seems lame.

 

[CSP72]

In reference to FaaWrenchBndr posting

I do have to disagree about not carrying any load. The axle is retracted about 3/4 inch and the bolt is broken. To me that indicates the bolt was keeping the axle fully engaged with the hub. I understand that the threading induces stress and could be the original source of the stress cracking. But something is putting a load on that bolt.

Also, look that the "fix" Ford is using. A much larger threaded shaft and nut. There has to be something loading that shaft.

 

[Mandkole]

In reference to FaaWrenchBndr posting

I do have to disagree about not carrying any load. The axle is retracted about 3/4 inch and the bolt is broken. To me that indicates the bolt was keeping the axle fully engaged with the hub. I understand that the threading induces stress and could be the original source of the stress cracking. But something is putting a load on that bolt.

Also, look that the "fix" Ford is using. A much larger threaded shaft and nut. There has to be something loading that shaft.

Agreed, need a high clamp load to keep the hub from wallowing around on the axle splines under high payload and dynamic loading. IMO, should have been done this way from the beginning, but I suspect this is a much more costly assembly due to more axle shaft material and processing.

 

[tide1996]

Agreed, need a high clamp load to keep the hub from wallowing around on the axle splines under high payload and dynamic loading. IMO, should have been done this way from the beginning, but I suspect this is a much more costly assembly due to more axle shaft material and processing.

Agreed but wouldn’t it cost more to tap drill and make threads? I agree should have done like this before. Are other axle manufacturing doing this such as Dana or American Axle

 

[FirstTimeFord]

I had a 23 Platinum MaxTow, received the recall notice, but never received a notice that a fix was available. I now have a 2025 Platinum MaxTow and recall on my new truck. The fact that this issue has been around for years, and even the new trucks have the issue, is troubling. The rear axles on these trucks are often completely rusted out on delivery. I always thought to myself, these axles look like they've been sitting on pallets out in the elements for years. Perhaps this is proof that's exactly what happens. If there's a fix, why in the hell would they keep building bad axles to put on the new trucks, knowing they will have to repair them later? If I'm wrong, I'm wrong. However, this BS with the axles still going on in brand new 25 trucks is insane! Ford knows they have a problem and just keeps installing them, WTH??

 

[flixden]

This affects max tow axles only, correct?

 

[tide1996]

Agreed, need a high clamp load to keep the hub from wallowing around on the axle splines under high payload and dynamic loading. IMO, should have been done this way from the beginning, but I suspect this is a much more costly assembly due to more axle shaft material and processing.

This affects max tow axles only, correct?

yes

 

[Hkak45]

And here I was thinking max tow was safe for my 24 lol. Should not have opted for this.

 

[Ed21]

And here I was thinking max tow was safe for my 24 lol. Should not have opted for this.

All they do is pop in new axles and hubs. Easy peasy.

 

[Mandkole]

All they do is pop in new axles and hubs. Easy peasy.

Yep, they only get an hour of repair time to do both axles. Doesn’t look like they even drain the oil.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

In reference to FaaWrenchBndr posting

I do have to disagree about not carrying any load. The axle is retracted about 3/4 inch and the bolt is broken. To me that indicates the bolt was keeping the axle fully engaged with the hub. I understand that the threading induces stress and could be the original source of the stress cracking. But something is putting a load on that bolt.

Also, look that the "fix" Ford is using. A much larger threaded shaft and nut. There has to be something loading that shaft.

yeah, I know all about the problem and the fix.

All I’m saying is is that you’re not understanding what the purpose of that bolt is. It is ONLY there to retain the shaft in the hub. There is no load on the bolt, as in the weight of the truck is not on the bolt. The torque of the axle being transmitted to the wheel is not on the bolt.

The design was a poorly engineered one. The tolerances at the shaft/hub are poor. This is the cause of the bolt failures. The bolt get torsional fatigued due to the poor figment of the splines.

Yeah, common sense says the shaft can migrate inward if the bolt is broken. The TSB called that out, and the recall spoke of this exact same thing. But funny thing is many members here think it’s fine to drive with a broken bolt.

Doing so is the role the dice you may be OK you might not. Quite a few people I’ve had no issues driving with the bolt being broke. Some have had the shaft migrate inward, kind of like yours, and that can cause all kinds of havoc.

 

[J17GT]

My hunch why the recall was just expanded is because they are FINALLY now building new max tow equipped trucks with the updated axles. We all knew it was just a matter of time before the recall was expanded as people were posting newer trucks with the same junk bolt design.

Ford playing games because you can't sell a truck with an open safety recall!

I was the first truck my local dealer took care of back in mid-May. New axles look beefy!

 

[H.H.]

I just got a call from my dealer, I was supposed to pick up my new truck today. Recall just issued for it.

 

[Mandkole]

I just got a call from my dealer, I was supposed to pick up my new truck today. Recall just issued for it.

Yep, I’ve already joined the stop sale club too. The only good news for me is that we haven’t exchanged money or signed paperwork.

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