Preliminary Evaluation · SERVICE BRAKE SUPPLY TANK SEPARATION · Opened 2004-06-18 · Closed 2004-08-30
Investigation
Action number
PE04047
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Open date
2004-06-18
Close date
2004-08-30
Manufacturer
VAN HOOL, N.V. (*)
Affected makes
VAN HOOL
Affected components
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Affected model years
2000, 2001, 2002
Affected (make, year) variants
3
Summary
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED TO EVALUATE VAN HOOL'S DECISION TO CONDUCT A FIELD SERVICE CAMPAIGN INSTEAD OF A SAFETY RECALL TO REPAIR THE SERVICE BRAKE AIR TANK MOUNTING BRACKETS THAT ARE FAILING.THIS TYPE OF FAILURE COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE NECESSARY FOR PROPER SERVICE BRAKE APPLICATION.IN ADDITION, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE DETACHED AIR TANK COULD SEPARATE FROM THE BUS, STRIKING VEHICLES OPERATING BEHIND OR AROUND THE AFFECTED BUS.AS THE RESULT OF THE AGENCY?S INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, VAN HOOL HAS AGREED TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN AND MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO THE AIR TANK MOUNTING SYSTEM OF 677 BUSES (MOTORCOACHES).THE ACTION TAKEN BY VAN HOOL IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.A COPY OF THE SAFETY RECALL IS ATTACHED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.