The problem
Vehicle description: transit buses. A burr on the spool bore of the steering gear pumps can result in the loss of oil flow.
The risk
This condition can cause loss of power steering assist and/or overheating the engine.
The fix
Thomas built is requesting owners to inspect the date code on the steering gear pump. If the pump is stamped with a date code prior to 6/1/97 and does not have an "l" or an "rl" stamped on the identification tag, the owner will be instructed to replace the pump. Owners will be shipped a replacement pump and detailed repair instructions. If the owner so desires, thomas built can do the inspection and repair on these buses.
Contacts
Owner notification began july 28, 1998. Owners who do not receive a free replacement pump and detailed repair instructions within a reasonable time should contact thomas built at 1-800-889-4871. 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 97V154000.
- 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.