Freightliner stepping away from cracked frame rail.

I wouldn't be surprised if you received three different opinions from three different dealers.

 

If it's a dealer performed repair, then it is implicit that the repair is 'manufacturer approved'. Whether or not Freightliner actually knew about or approved those modifications or repairs, they surely assumed liability for them.

 

Most of you should re-read this. No where does it say you can not weld a frame. It also doesn't say you have to have the manufacturer weld it either. It just says to check manufaturer's recommendations, which are probably common sense rules when welding..... Clean crack up, relieve pressure on crack, clean crack out so you can lay a good weld in it.....

 

We know this. The issue is that the OP stated that he performed a welded repair to his frame, despite the manufacturer's recommendation to replace the entire rail. He disregarded the manufacturer's recommendation and performed a non-approved repair. That means that his repair is not in compliance. YOU should re-read ALL of the posts in this thread. You probably missed a few.

 

Of course they are gonna recommend replacing the rail, it makes them the most money. BTW just cause a manufacturer recommends it doesn't mean its the only way to do it right! One day you will figure this out...lol

 

So... the issue is "compliance."

Now that's imporatant in the owner-operator world, especially if you're operating under your own authority. That makes you a carrier, and puts the "responsibility" for assuring that you are in "compliance" on your shoulders. The way that government oversight works means that there's going to be a bear looking at this, in the most stringent case, a level-one inspection. Most likely the OP will never have a problem with this. Especially if it all looks "good."

Unless someone really goes back to the manufacturer, and asks serious questions.

Probably won't happen.

Unless there are bodies lying around. And serious questions to be asked.

 

You are correct. It's likely that nothing will ever come of this.

But you can be sure that if there's ever a collision involving the truck and a fatality, even if the truck was not at fault, the non-approved repair will become an aggravating factor in court.

 

I'm not disputing that a welded repair is viable. History and experience has proven that welded repairs hold just fine.

The issue, again, is compliance, and it's a black and white issue.

The regulation states that you must follow the manufacturer's recommendation when it comes to frame repairs. The manufacturer recommends replacement of the frame rail to effect repairs. You chose to deviate from that recommendation. Your repair is not in compliance with the regulation.

It's not a difficult concept.

edit: I may come across as omniscient (all knowing), but I don't think I'd ever be accused of being omnipotent (all powerful).