VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES. A BURR ON THE SPOOL BORE OF THE STEERING GEAR PUMPS CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF OIL FLOW.
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND/OR OVERHEATING THE ENGINE.
THOMAS BUILT IS REQUESTING OWNERS TO INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE STEERING GEAR PUMP. IF THE PUMP IS STAMPED WITH A DATE CODE PRIOR TO 6/1/97 AND DOES NOT HAVE AN "L" OR AN "RL" STAMPED ON THE IDENTIFICATION TAG, THE OWNER WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE PUMP. OWNERS WILL BE SHIPPED A REPLACEMENT PUMP AND DETAILED REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES, THOMAS BUILT CAN DO THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR ON THESE BUSES.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY28, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE A FREE REPLACEMENT PUMP AND DETAILED REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THOMAS BUILT AT 1-800-889-4871.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.