Service brakes: slack adjusters Blue Bird recall

The problem

Vehicle description: school and transit buses equipped with a combination spicer j230 rear axle, spring suspension, and crewson brunner automatic slack adjusters. The crewson brunner slack adjuster contacts a u-bolt mounting bracket when a combination of the listed components are installed. The combination does not allow for full extension of the slack adjuster when brakes are applied.

The risk

This can cause a potential for reduced braking effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will install modified u-bolt brackets that will provide the needed clearance. Owner notification began march 15, 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 blue bird at 1-912-825-2021.

Contacts

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

1. 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.
2. Call a dealer. Any authorized Blue Bird dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 01V060000.
3. Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
4. Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.