News from CPSC

News
from
CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2007
Release #08-028
Washington, D.C. 20207
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 366-3828
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Huffy Recalls Bicycles Due To Cranks Falling Off; Riders Can Lose
Control of Bike
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with
the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To
access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)
Name of Products: 2007 Huffy “Howler” and “Highland” Bicycles
Units: About 22,000
Distributor: Huffy Corp., of Miamisburg, Ohio
Hazard: The bicycle crank can unexpectedly come off, causing the rider to lose control, fall and
suffer serious injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Huffy has received two reports of the crank coming off, resulting in one
injury.
Description: The recall involves 2007 model year, multi-speed bicycles with 26-inch, 24-inch or
20-inch wheels. The “Howler” was sold in black (model K3587, boy’s model), blue (model
K4587, men’s model), and red (model K6587, men’s model). The “Highland” was sold in white
(model K4597, women’s model) and blue (model K6597, women’s model). The name "Howler"
or "Highland" is printed on the frame of the bicycle, and the name "Huffy" is on the front of the
frame. Model numbers are located on a label on the bottom of the frame where the crank is
attached to the bicycle.
Sold at: Kmart stores nationwide from May 2007 through July 2007 for between $80 and $100.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled bicycles immediately and contact Huffy
Corp. to receive instructions on tightening the crank.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Huffy Corp. toll-free at (888) 366-3828
between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.huffybikes.com.
- more -
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from
more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product
incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose
a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools,
cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with
consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or
visit CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC’s Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
####
IMPORTANT NOTICE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
The following bicycles have a potential issue with the crank axle nuts.
Model Number
K4597
K6597
K3587
K4587
K6587
Description
24” Women’s
26” Women’s
20” Boy’s
24” Men’s
26” Men’s
Model Name
Highland
Highland
Howler
Howler
Howler
These bicycles were sold at Kmart stores
from May to July 2007.
Date codes (found on the model number label
on the underside of the bicycle) on the affected
bicycles are:
07C, 07D, 07E, 07F and 07G.
Model Number Label – Bottom of Frame
Before riding any Huffy Howler and / or
Highland bicycle with a 3-piece crank,
please ensure that the crank axle nuts
on both sides of the bicycle are very
tight.
3-Piece Crank – Left Side Shown
To access the crank axle nuts, the dust caps must be removed (see photos). The dust caps are
easily removed by unthreading them with a screwdriver.
Crank Axle Nut
Ensure Both Sides
Are Tight
Crank Axle Dust Cap
Crank Axle Nut (Dust Cap Removed)
If you have a torque wrench the crank axle nuts should be tightened to 395 in-lbs. If you do not
have a torque wrench apply approximately 40 pounds of pressure using a socket wrench with a 6”
to 12” long handle. The correct size socket for the crank axle nuts is 14mm. If you cannot check
the crank axle nuts please take your bicycle to the store for in-store repair.
Be sure to replace the dust caps when you are done.
Frequently check the tightness of the crank arm nuts as described in the Three-Piece Cranks
section of your owner’s manual.
If you have questions, please contact Huffy Customer Service: 800-872-2453 (M-F, 8am – 4:30pm ET).
V080207