The problem
Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with air brakes and a trw steering gear. The pinch bolt on the pitman arm contacts the exhaust port on the air brake treadle valve during steering maneuvers.
The risk
This could result in increased steering effort or an over-steer condition.
The fix
Dealers will add a spacer under the brake valve to provide sufficient clearance.
Contacts
Owner notification began august 16, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 1-336-881-7219. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Thomas dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 00V428000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.