The problem
Daimler Trucks North America, LLC (DTNA) is recalling certain 2022 Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The hydraulic caliper tie bar support fasteners on the steer axles may not have been properly tightened or the tie bar may have not been installed in some cases.
The risk
A dangling tie bar could come in contact with the rotating wheel-end components or damage may occur from the brake parts flexing. Either scenario may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect both steer axle wheel-ends to make sure that the four tie bar mounting fasteners are properly tightened. If the required tie bar is missing, the caliper anchor mounts and functionality (brake pad slide pins and pad movement) will be inspected before installing a tie bar. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 18, 2021. DTNA's number for this recall is FL-871.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to 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 Built Buses dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 20V806000.
- 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.