2009 MCI D4500, 2009 MCI D4505 Recall: Steering

The defect

MCI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009 D4500/4505 COACHES EQUIPPED WITH THE MERITOR FH 946 14,000 LB RATED STEERABLE TAG AXLE. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE OF THE CYLINDER LOCK PLATE, IT MAY MOVE FROM ITS NORMAL SET POSITION, WHICH IN TURN COULD RESULT IN THE TAG AXLE NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING, OR LOCKING WITH THE WHEELS NOT IN A STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION.

The risk

IF THE TAG AXLE DOES NOT LOCK ABOVE 20 MPH, THERE IS A LOSS OF LATERAL FORCE CONTROL OF THE TAG AXLE THAT CAN AFFECT THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO DURING A TURN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WILL SWING FURTHER OUT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE TURN AND COULD RESULT IN THE COACH STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix — what to do

DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT CLAMPS THAT DO NOT HAVE PAINT ON THE CLAMPING SURFACES. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MCI CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AT 1-800-241-2947.

MCI RECALL NO. 331B.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .