The problem
Certain my 2004 and 2005 thomas built saf-t-liner c2 school buses manufactured between july 2004 and august 26, 2005. The upper steering shaft pinch bolt may not be correctly tightened, resulting in the possible loss of the bolt, allowing joint separation and loss of steering.
The risk
Sudden loss of steering without warning could result in a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
All thomas built and freightliner dealers and direct warranty customers were called on august 26, 2005, and notified not to drive these buses until they have been inspected. The remedy procedure calls for the inspection of the steering pinch bolts for the presence of torque seal. Bolts without torque seal will be tightened to factory specifications and torque seal added. Follow up notification by mail began august 27, 2005. Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
Contacts
Freightliner recall no. Fl-457. Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (tty:1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
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 05V387000.
- 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.