VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH A COMBINATION SPICER J230 REAR AXLE, SPRING SUSPENSION, AND CREWSON BRUNNER AUTOMATIC SLACK ADJUSTERS. THE CREWSON BRUNNER SLACK ADJUSTER CONTACTS A U-BOLT MOUNTING BRACKET WHEN A COMBINATION OF THE LISTED COMPONENTS ARE INSTALLED. THE COMBINATION DOES NOT ALLOW FOR FULL EXTENSION OF THE SLACK ADJUSTER WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Safety risk
THIS CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL FOR REDUCED BRAKING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL MODIFIED U-BOLT BRACKETS THAT WILL PROVIDE THE NEEDED CLEARANCE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2001. 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 BLUE BIRD AT 1-912-825-2021.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX AIR BRAKES. BENDIX CHANGED THE INTERNAL DESIGN OF THE QR1C RELAY VALVE BY ADDING A HOLE IN THE INTERNAL DIAPHRAGM. WHEN THE HOLE IN THE DIAPHRAGM ALIGNS WITH THE HOLE IN THE VALVE BODY, THE BRAKE APPLICATION TIME INCREASES.
Safety risk
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, DRIVER ACTIVATES THE PARKING BRAKE BUT REMOVES FOOT FROM THE THREADLE VALVE, THE BUS COULD ROLL BEFORE THE PARKING BRAKE IS FULLY ENGAGED.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGMS WITH HOLES WITH SOLID DIAPHRAGMS FOR THE QR1C VALVES.
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,113
Reported to NHTSA
2000-02-22
Owners notified
2000-03-08
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BRAKE TREADLE VALVE AIR LINES WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
Safety risk
WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, FUTURE MAINTENANCE MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THIS INCONSISTENCY, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BE INSTALLED INCORRECT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL CORRECT THE AIR LINE PLUMBING AT THE BENDIX R12DC RELAY VALVE.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
No complaints recorded for this model year.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.