NHTSA Recall 85V144000
Filed by COLLIER-KEYWORTH. Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Reported 1985-11-04. An estimated 31 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
THE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE ON THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT SIDE MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE OF THE STEPWELL. THE CLEARENCE BETWEEN THE STEPWELL AND THE BRAKE LINE MOUNTED ON THE FRAMERAIL IS NOT SUFFICIENT. IF THE STEPWELL WERE TO TOUCH THE BRAKE LINE, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE LINE COULD RESULT WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE WERE TO BE CRIMPED, RESPONSE OF THE REAR BREAKS WOULD BE SLOWED DOWN, THUS AFFECTING STOPPING TIMES. IF THE REAR HYDRAULIC LINE WAS TO BE SPLIT OPEN, LOSS OF FLUID WOULD RESULT AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD BE DEGRADED. OPERATION OF A VEHICLE WITH DAMAGED BRAKE LINES COULD LEAD TO SITUATIONS WHERE, IN PANIC STOP, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT. THIS COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
What the manufacturer will do
REROUTE BRAKE LINES TO AVOID CONTACT WITH STEPWELL OR CHANGE DESIGN TO ALLOW CLEARANCE.
Notes
SYSTEM: REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE/STEPWELL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BUSES BUILT ON 14,500 LB GVWR; CP31432, GM CHASSIS, FLXETTE MODEL 123.