Service brakes, air
- Component
- Service brakes, air
- Manufacturer
- VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
- Vehicles affected
- 129
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-12-31
- Owners notified
- 2003-02-10
Defect description
ON CERTAIN TUB GRINDER TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH BENDIX SR-5 TRAILER SPRING BRAKE VALVE ASSEMBLIES, THE MOLDED RUBBER FACE OF THE INLET/EXHAUST VALVE (I/E VALVE) COMPONENT OF THE AFFECTED VALVES CAN SEPARATE FROM THE VALVE'S METAL INSERT. AIR CAN BE TRAPPED BY A SEPARATED I/E VALVE CAUSING IT TO BALLOON AND BLOCK THE EXHAUST PASSAGE OF THE TRAILER SPRING BRAKE CIRCUIT.
Safety risk
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEING UNABLE TO APPLY THE TRAILER PARKING/EMERGENCY SPRING BRAKES DURING PARKING IN THE EVENT OF A TRAILER SUPPLY LINE FAILURE. UNINTENDED ROLLAWAY COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT OR ANY BYSTANDERS.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 10, 2003. 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 VERMEER AT 641-628-3141 OR BENDIX AT 440-329-9000.