The problem
Spartan is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 gladiator, metrostar, advantage, and diamond fire apparatus chassis manufactured from january 1, 2007 through april 15, 2010, equipped with independent front suspensions supplied by ridewell corporation. Bell crank support brackets installed on the suspension cradle may crack, or separate, from the main structure (cradle assembly). Certain welds that attach the bell crank support brackets may have been omitted during the weldment operation of the suspension cradle.
The risk
A complete separation of the bell crank support bracket(s) may cause steering impairment which could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Spartan will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 26, 2010. Owners may contact spartan at spartan chassis at 1-800-543-4277 - option 1.
Contacts
Spartan's recall campaign number is 10011. Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.Safercar.Gov>http://www.Safercar.Gov</a> .
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 Spartan dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 10V210000.
- 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.