Recalls for 2005 Neoplan An440lf

DEFECT #1 - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Posted on: 2005-07-14
Description
On certain transit buses equipped with vapor door assemblies, the two piece curved connecting rods when used as an element of the door actuation linkage in conjunction with a vapor medium pneumatic differential engine, may be subject to fatigue failure resulting in bending or breaking of the connecting rod.

Consequence
A broken connecting rod can allow the door panel to move freely in an uncontrolled manner, leaving passengers inside the vehicle unprotected by the door panel and enabling a protruding door panel to strike persons or objects outside the vehicle.

Corrective Action
Neoplan is working with vapor bus international to notify owners and have the repair performed on their vehicles.  The remedy consists of replacing the two piece connecting rod with a one piece connecting rod.  Owners may contact vapor at 1-847-777-6400 or neoplan at 1-719-336-3256.  

Notes
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236; (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

DEFECT #2 - STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Posted on: 2005-03-03
Description
On certain transit buses equipped with arvinmeritor urresko tie rod clamps, heat treatment of clamps created a surface hardness that could lead to a fracture of the clamps.

Consequence
In the event of a crack, the clamps could break off affecting toe-in and alignment.  The tie rod can come loose resulting in steering loss and a crash could occur without prior warning.

Corrective Action
Arvinmeritor is conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign.  Owners may contact arvinmeritor at 1-866-668-7221 or neoplan at 719-336-3256.

Notes
Neoplan recall no.  08-314.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.