Recalls for 1997 Thomas Er Model

DEFECT #1 - STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR

Posted on: 1997-10-21
Description
Vehicle description: school and transit buses.  If debris becomes trapped between the plastic cup, which seals the opening where the steering column comes through the bus floor and the steering knuckle, the steering linkage can bind.

Consequence
Binding of the steering linkage could cause the driver to over steer the vehicle, possibly resulting in loss of control of the vehicle or a crash.

Corrective Action
Owners are requested to remove the plastic seal which will leave an opening between the vehicle floor and the steering column.  Thomas built is in the process of designing a proper seal for that area, and this seal will be sent to owners for installation.

Notes
Owner notification began october 17, 1997.owners who do not receive the free repair seal 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.

DEFECT #2 - STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

Posted on: 1997-09-18
Description
Vehicle description: transit buses.  A burr on the spool bore of the steering gear pumps can result in the loss of oil flow.

Consequence
This condition can cause loss of power steering assist and/or overheating the engine.

Corrective Action
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.

Notes
Owner notification began july28, 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.