Springs: air suspension systemRecall 97V-135 · Spartan vehicles
SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. recall 97V-135 covers 262 Spartan vehicles for a springs: air suspension system problem, reported to NHTSA on August 18, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V135000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS A MOTOR HOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPSION, WHICH UTILIZES A NORGREN VALVE AND NEWAY PILOT AIR CONTROL VALVES. THE PURPOSE OF THE NORGREN VALVE IS TO EXHAUST THE AIR SUSPENSION WHEN THE DRIVER ACTIVATES THE VEHICLE JACKS USED TO LEVEL THE VEHICLE FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING. THE NEWAY PILOT VALVE IS USED TO SPEED UP THE TIMING OF THE AIR EXHAUST. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN A DYNAMIC CONDITION, THE AIR SYSTEM PRESSURE CAN SEND SPIKES OF UP TO 230 PSI. THIS EXCEEDS THE PRESSURE RATING OF THE NEWAY PILOT VALVE CAUSING THE VALVE TO FAIL AND ALLOW THE AIR SYSTEM PRESSURE TO EXHAUST UNCONTROLLABILITY.
The risk
IF THERE IS AN AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE, IT COULD LEAD TO VEHICLE HANDLING PROBLEMS AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AIR PLUMBING TO REMOVE THE THREE (3) NEWAY PILOT VALVES (TWO FRONT SUSPENSION/ONE REAR SUSPENSION) FROM THE AIR SYSTEM. THE NORGREN VALVE WILL BE FULLY UTILIZED TO REPLACE THE VALVES IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND A MIDLAND VALVE WILL BE USED IN THE REAR SUSPENSION.
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 1997.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 SPARTAN AT 1-800-543-4277.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 April 17, 1997 to August 13, 1997. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.