The problem
The air/spring actuated parking brake chambers manufactured by midland (date code 145b6k) were filled with the wrong lubrication. The improper lubricant causes the seals within the chamber to fail and results in loss of air. If air pressure drops to 55 psi the spring within the chamber will automatically apply the parking brake.
The risk
If air pressure drops below 55 psi and the operator does not heed the low air pressure warning and continues to drive, the parking brake will apply. This can cause the parking brake lining to overheat and prematurely wear. When the bus is parked and the brake applied, the parking brake would not operate properly.
The fix
Dealers (or owners) will inspect the brake chambers for the suspect date code. If the chamber has this code, the parking brake chamber will be replaced.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification began october 28, 1996. Note: 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 amtran at 1-800-843-5615. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 Amtran dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V221000.
- 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.