School Bus Recalls

American Transportation Corporation

Models:

AmTran FE Years: 1994-1999 AmTran RE Years: 1994-1999

Number Involved: 554

Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - December 1999

Noncompliance: Certain school and transit buses do not comply with certain requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, ATire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars,@ and 49 CFR Part 567, ACertification.@ Some certification labels displayed the incorrect tire pressure for the tire specified to meet the Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front and/or rear axles.

Remedy: New certification labels are being provided to owners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin March 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-993-7686.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V057/AmTran Recall No.99-304]

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Blue Bird Body Company

Models:

Blue Bird All American Year: 1999 Blue Bird TC2000 Year: 1999 Blue Bird Commercial Series Year: 1999 Blue Bird Wanderlodge Year: 1999 Blue Bird LTC Year: 1999

Number Involved: 842

Defect: On these motor home chassis, school, and transit buses equipped with TRW tie rod assemblies built with 24-DL ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose control, possibly resulting in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace all defective ball sockets and/or drag links with new components. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-822-2242.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V044003/Blue Bird Recall No. R01ET

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Blue Bird Body Company

Models: Blue Bird School and Transit Buses Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved: 460

Defect: The recall involves school and transit buses equipped with a combination Spicer J230 rear axle, spring suspension, and Crewson Brunner automatic slack adjusters. The Crewson Brunner slack adjuster contacts a U-bolt mounting bracket when a combination of the listed components is installed. The combination does not allow for full extension of the slack adjuster when brakes are applied and can cause reduced braking effort.

Remedy: Dealers will install modified U-bolt brackets that will provide the needed clearance. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-822-2242.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V060/Blue Bird Recall No. R01EM]