Linkages: tie rod assemblyRecall 07V-540 · Blue Bird vehicles
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY recall 07V-540 covers 12 Blue Bird vehicles for a linkages: tie rod assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on November 21, 2007.
Source: NHTSA recall 07V540000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
ON CERTAIN MOTOR COACHES, THE CASTLE NUTS ON THE TIE ROD ENDS AND RELAY ROD STUDS IN THE INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION ASSEMBLIES ARE LOOSE AND/OR NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS. LOW AND/OR NO TORQUE ON A NUT CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE SLACK IN THE STEERING SYSTEM, THEREBY ALLOWING THE TAPERED JOINT TO MOVE AND SUBSEQUENTLY SHEAR THE COTTER PIN.
The risk
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE STEERING LINK TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AND CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix
BLUE BIRD IS WORKING WITH ARVIN-MERITOR TO REPAIR THESE COACHES (PLEASE SEE 07E094). THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BLUE BIRD AT 1-478-822-2242.
BLUE BIRD RECALL NO. R07MP.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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from November 2, 2006 to May 19, 2007. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.