Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump
- Component
- Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump
- Manufacturer
- INTERNATIONAL TRUCK & ENGINE CORPORATION
- Vehicles affected
- 5,999
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2004-05-27
- Owners notified
- 2004-06-29
Defect description
ON CERTAIN SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES THE STUDS USED TO SECURE THE POWER STEERING PUMP TO THE ENGINE BLOCK CAN FAIL, RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE POWER ASSIST TO BOTH THE STEERING SYSTEM AND THE HYDRAULIC BRAKING SYSTEM. SHOULD STUD FAILURE CAUSE THE PUMP TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM ITS DRIVE GEARS, A REDUCTION OF THE FLUID FLOW RATE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM COULD OCCUR AND POSSIBLY CAUSE AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AS WELL AS INCREASED STEERING WHEEL EFFORTS.
Safety risk
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WILL IMPAIR THE VEHICLE OPERATOR, POSSIBLE RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
INTERNATIONAL WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND ALL VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND ANY SUSPECT STUDS WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24,2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INTERNATIONAL AT 1-800-448-7825.