The problem
These buses with gross vehicle weight ratings (gvwr) of 36,200, do not meet the brake size and power requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 121, "Air brake systems," for vehicles of that gvwr.
The risk
These buses do not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 121.
The fix
Thomas built will provide the owners with repair parts and a detailed repair procedure. The repair will consist of changing the original rear slack adjusters and front brake chambers and increasing the air reservoir volume.
Contacts
Notes: owner notification began june 6, 1997. Owners who do not receive the free repair parts and a detailed repair procedure within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 1-910-889-4871. 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 Thomas dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V020000.
- 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.