STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Nov 21, 2007
12 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, THE CASTLE NUTS ON THE TIE ROD ENDS AND RELAY ROD STUDS IN THE INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLIES ARE LOOSE AND/OR NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. LOW AND/OR NO TORQUE ON A NUT CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE SLACK IN THE STEERING SYSTEM, THEREBY ALLOWING THE TAPERED JOINT TO MOVE AND SUBSEQUENTLY SHEAR THE COTTER PIN.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE STEERING LINK TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH ARVIN-MERITOR TO REPAIR THESE COACHES (PLEASE SEE 07E094). THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.