Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsRecall 97V-048 · Amtran vehicles
AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION CORP. recall 97V-048 covers 1,473 Amtran vehicles for a hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections problem, reported to NHTSA on March 27, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V048000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
THE LOW PRESSURE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE CAN EITHER BURST OR BECOME DISCONNECTED DUE TO INCREASED FLUID VISCOSITY IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES.
The risk
IF THE LOW PRESSURE RETURN HOSE BURSTS OR SEPARATES, THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST TO THE STEERING AND A REDUCTION IN POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKES ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETURN HOSES WITH A HOSE THAT CAN TOLERATE HIGHER PRESSURES, USE IMPROVED CLAMPS AND A POWER STEERING FLUID THAT IS LESS VISCOUS IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGINAPRIL 29, 1997. 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 OR NAVISTAR AT 10800-448-7825.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.