NHTSA Recall 05V284000
Filed by THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.. Component: Suspension. Reported 2005-06-14. An estimated 634 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
CERTAIN FREIGHTLINER TRUCKS AND THOMAS SCHOOL BUSES EQUIPPED WITH HOLLAND/NEWAY AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS, A TRANSVERSE BEAM CASTING MAY FRACTURE UNDER NORMAL LOADS. IF A CASTING BREAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING ON A ROADWAY THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR PIECES OF THE CASTING TO BECOME PROJECTILES AND THE SUSPENSION'S TRANSVERSE BEAM MAY DROP DOWN LOW ENOUGH TO CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE.
Risk
THIS WILL CAUSE SPARKS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TRANSVERSE BEAM ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN FOR THOMAS BUILT OWNERS ON FEBRUARY 10, 2006; AND FOR FREIGHTLINER OWNERS ON APRIL 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FREIGHTLINER AT 1-800-547-0712.
Manufacturer campaign number: FL-453
Notes
FREIGHTLINER RECALL NO.FL-453.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.