Springs: leaf spring assemblyRecall 81V-146 · 1978–1981 Thomas Pusher
THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC. recall 81V-146 covers 388 1978–1981 Thomas Pusher for a springs: leaf spring assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on December 8, 1981.
Source: NHTSA recall 81V146000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
AN INSUFFICIENT WELD MAY EXIST IN THE REINFORCING GUSSET PLATE ON FRONT, RIGHT AND/OR LEFT SPRING HANGER, OR THE WELD MAY BE MISSING ENTIRELY. THE SPRING-HANGERS ARE BRACKETS LOCATED ON EITHER SIDE OF THE AXLE. DEFECTIVE OR MISSING WELDS CAN CAUSE CRACKS TO FORM IN THE SPRING-HANGER.
The fix
IF THE HANGER IS CRACKED, THE GUSSET AND THE CRACK WILL BE WELDED. A REPLACEMENT HANGER WILL THEN BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES.SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; FRONT SPRING-HANGERS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: CRACKS MAY LEAD TO COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE SPRINGHANGERS, WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
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 September 1, 1978 to August 1, 1981. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.