OTTAWA, Ont. — Canada’s federal watchdog has issued several recalls over the past month relating to a total of 1,525 Canadian-owned Macks.

The largest notice pertains to 791 1999 and 2000 Mack CH, CL, CX and RD tractors. Certain heavy-duty trucks equipped with TRW tie rod ends on certain Meritor axles may experience problems. The tie rod and drag link ball stud ends contain bearings that are below the specified case depth and/or hardness. This can lead to premature wear with possible separation of the ball stud from the socket, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.

To correct the problem, dealers will remove and replace all affected tie rods and drag links with different designed ends. Trucks that have been repaired under a previous recall will not be impacted a second time around.

As well, about 96 Mack CL, CV, RD and RB models from 1999 to 2002 equipped with Dana Spacer Tandem drive axle models DS463 have been recalled. An undersized attachment weld may fracture without warning. The loss of this attachment to the vehicle chassis can adversely affect vehicle or driver control. There is no fix being promoted by Transport Canada at this time.

Another 15 Mack CVs and RDs from 2000 and 2001 with 18,000-lb front axles may have front springs installed that are rated for the 14,600-lb front axle. Front spring failure could result in loss of vehicle control. The correction is to have a dealer will replace both springs.

The second biggest notice relates to 201 and 2002 Mack CH, CL, CV, CX, DMM, RB and RD6 models. There are 553 trucks equipped with e-tech engines in which a condition exists on the auxiliary drive shaft of the engine that causes the loss of power steering. It only occurs on vehicles where the power steering pump is mounted off the front of the engine. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the nut that holds the gear to the auxiliary drive shaft.

Finally, 70 Mack CH and CX tractors from 2000 and 2001 equipped with R.H. Sheppard M90 steering gears have been recalled. An incorrect hose was used for the high-pressure line between the power steering pump and the steering gear. The hose is rated at 2000psi, while it should be rated at 3000psi. This hose could develop a leak or burst while in service. Should the line burst, steering control would still be maintained, but a loss of power assist will be experienced. Dealers will replace the steering hose.