Preliminary Evaluation · RESTRICTED BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT · Opened 2007-02-12 · Closed 2007-04-16
Investigation
Action number
PE07008
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Open date
2007-02-12
Close date
2007-04-16
Manufacturer
THOMAS BUILT BUSES, INC.
Affected makes
THOMAS
Affected components
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:FOOT CONTROL/VALVE
Affected model years
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Affected (make, year) variants
8
Summary
ODI WAS CONTACTED BY THE NEW YORK DOT WHO REPORTEDSEVERAL BUSES FAILED BRAKING TESTS WHEN BEING TESTED DURING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE SUBJECT SCHOOL BUSES ARE OPTIONED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL POSITIONING DEVICE THAT ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO RAISE AND LOWER THE BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT TO SUIT HIS/HER SEATING POSITION.WHEN THE LOWEST PEDAL POSITION IS SELECTED (BY A BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD), NYDOT REPORTED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BOTTOMED OUT ON THE FLOOR, THUS PREVENTING A FULL BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION.THIS RESULTED IN A REDUCTION OF BRAKE TORQUE AT THE WHEEL ENDS.FREIGHTLINER WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.THE REMEDY CALLS FOR A LONGER PEDAL PUSH ROD BEING INSTALLED IN- PLACE OF THE ORIGINAL PUSH ROD. THEY ALSO INCREASED THE POPULATION TO INCLUDE THE MVP-ER MODEL BUSES.THIS RESOLVES THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.