The problem
On certain transit buses equipped with diesel or liquid natural gas (lng) fuel systems only, in the area of the rear axle lower radius rod attachment to the suspension support (or "c" frame), a welding problem exists.
The risk
If a crack were to develop and propagate around the circumference of the bushing, the radius rod attachment could become loose and allow movement between the lower radius rod and the rear axle. Should this happen, the rear axle position could shift during acceleration, deceleration, or in turns, and could affect the handling of the vehicle.
The fix
Owners are being requested to inspect their buses for cracks and to remove the buses from service that have cracks exceeding specific criteria. Nabi will arrange to repair all the vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin on december 31, 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 nabi at 1-888-424-5844, extension 7900.
Contacts
Customers can 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 Nabi dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V332000.
- 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.