Driveline: airRecall 96V-221 · Amtran vehicles
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP. recall 96V-221 covers 194 Amtran vehicles for a driveline: air problem, reported to NHTSA on November 4, 1996.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V221000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE AIR/SPRING ACTUATED PARKING BRAKE CHAMBERS MANUFACTURED BY MIDLAND (DATE CODE 145B6K) WERE FILLED WITH THE WRONG LUBRICATION. THE IMPROPER LUBRICANT CAUSES THE SEALS WITHIN THE CHAMBER TO FAIL AND RESULTS IN LOSS OF AIR. IF AIR PRESSURE DROPS TO 55 PSI THE SPRING WITHIN THE CHAMBER WILL AUTOMATICALLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.
The risk
IF AIR PRESSURE DROPS BELOW 55 PSI AND THE OPERATOR DOES NOT HEED THE LOW AIR PRESSURE WARNING AND CONTINUES TO DRIVE, THE PARKING BRAKE WILL APPLY. THIS CAN CAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE LINING TO OVERHEAT AND PREMATURELY WEAR. WHEN THE BUS IS PARKED AND THE BRAKE APPLIED, THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
The fix
DEALERS (OR OWNERS) WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE CHAMBERS FOR THE SUSPECT DATE CODE. IF THE CHAMBER HAS THIS CODE, THE PARKING BRAKE CHAMBER WILL BE REPLACED.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 1996.NOTE: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 AMTRAN AT 1-800-843-5615.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
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 May 28, 1996 to October 21, 1996. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.