Recall 08V068000: Champion bus, inc.

Report received

Feb 14, 2008

Manufacturer

Champion bus, inc.

Potentially affected

14vehicles

Model years

—

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

Champion bus is recalling 14 my 2008 3035re buses built on freightliner chassis and equipped with zf model 8018 steering gears. These gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculation balls to escape from the recirculation ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering.

Possible consequence

The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Champion bus is working with freightliner and zf to replace the steering gear (please see 07v343 and 07e049). Owners may contact freightliner at 1-800-547-0712 or champion bus at 1-800-331-5761.