VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL AND TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH 2-PIECE, NO5X7508 TILTING STEERING COLUMN, OR NO5X710 TELESCOPIC AND TILTING STEERING COLUMN. THE UPPER PINCH BOLT NUT WAS OMITTED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IF THE NUT WAS NOT INSTALLED, THE BOLT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE UNIVERSAL JOINT.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT AND INSTRUCTIONS TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE REMEDY FOR THEM.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 17, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REPAIR KIT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AMTRAN AT 1-501-505-2190.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).