Investigation PE11032: 2005–2009 Thomas Built Buses C2

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Sep 12, 2011

Closed

Jan 30, 2012

Model years

2005–2009

Subject

Brake Line Chafing

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a complaint alleging brake fluid loss caused by a ruptured brake line that had chafed against a wire harness in the engine compartment of the complainant?s vehicle.It was determined that the chafing was caused by contact between the convoluted tubing covering the fuel supply line and the metal brake lines.This issue only affects units with a Caterpillar (CAT) C7 engine and a fuel water separator mounted in a specific location on the frame rail.Not all units with CAT engines were equipped with fuel water separators, but all units with CAT engines and a fuel water separator have them mounted in the same location.Units with other engines have a different fuel supply line routing and are not affected by this defect.Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) submitted a recall notice on 18 October 2011 involving seven-hundred (700) model year (MY) 2005-2009 vehicles.In its notice, DTNA provided an explanation that MY2010 vehicles were not built with CAT C7 engines and, that of the model years that were built with C7 engines, only 700 had fuel water separators.All 700 such vehicles are included in this recall.DTNA's announcement of a safety recall addresses ODI's concerns.The recall remedy involves replacement of any damaged brake lines and rerouting as needed.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) number: 10383939

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2007 Thomas Built Buses C26 complaints