The problem
On certain low floor 29, 35, and 40 foot buses, the steering gear input shaft bolt installed was a 3/8" diameter coarse thread grade 8 fastener instead of the required 7/16" diameter fine thread grade 8 fastener.
The risk
In the event of a crash or some other extraordinary shock load on the steering, a loss of steering could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace the suspect fastener with the correct fastener. Owner notification began august 6, 2002. 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 gillig at 1-510-785-1500.
Contacts
Also, customers can 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 Gillig dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V189000.
- 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.