The problem
On certain street sweepers, as the brake pads wear, the brake calipers on the rear axle can come into contact with a bracket on the chassis. This causes the caliper to deflect during brake application, introducing a bending moment into the caliper mounting bolts. The mounting bolt can eventually break allowing the caliper to rotation out of position, causing a loss of braking function on the rear axle.
The risk
THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix
Dealers will modify the braking system on these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin during march or april 2003. 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 epg/athey at 1-847-741-5370.
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 Athey dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V110000.
- 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.