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June 15, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V357000
Loose Drag Link Connection Bolts
If the drag link separates, loss of steering control my occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V357
Manufacturer Blue Bird Body Company
Components STEERING
Potential Number of Units Affected 11
Summary
Blue Bird Body Company (Blue Bird) is recalling certain 2020 Blue Bird Vision gasoline-powered buses. The castle nuts that connect the steering drag link to the steering arm may have not been correctly tightened, potentially causing separation of the drag link.
Remedy
Blue Bird will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drag link assembly connection points, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. This recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Blue Bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242. Blue Bird’s number for this recall is R20AW-NSB.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
R20AW
FINAL NOTICE
DATE: January 25, 2021
TO: Blue Bird Owners
Subject: R20AW – Drag Link Castle Nut Torque Confirmation
According to our records, we have not received confirmation that the above referenced recall, dated July 27, 2020, has been completed. A copy of Recall R20AW is attached. Your buses affected by Recall R20AW are identified by Blue Bird Body Number and VIN under Section 2 on the enclosed cover sheet.
If this is the first time you received notification of Recall R20AW, please read the enclosed notification carefully. Recall R20AW must be completed, as soon as possible. To correct this condition, the castle nuts at both ends of the drag link assembly must be inspected for proper torque and torqued properly according to the Blue Bird provided instructions.
Labor Reimbursement:
Blue Bird will reimburse the labor cost of the repairs related to this recall at no cost to the vehicle owner. The standard repair time (SRT) to accomplish these repairs in accordance with the R20AW remedy procedure(s) is outlined below.
Repair Options and allowable labor times for this campaign:
Repair A: (Inspection & Torque)
- 0.2 hours (12 minutes)
Repair B: (Repair, If Needed)
- 0.2 hours (12 minutes)
Parts:
During the inspection, any parts needing replacement must be obtained from Blue Bird Recall Administration via email at campaignparts@blue-bird.com or return the yellow cover sheet to Blue Bird in the pink, self-addressed, postage prepaid envelope to receive parts at no charge.
If you have already had R20AW performed on your affected buses, please complete and mail the enclosed recall pink reply sheet to us in the enclosed postage paid pink reply envelope so we may update our recall records. Be sure the reply sheet is filled out properly.
Questions regarding this recall campaign should be directed to me at (478) 822-2242 or campaignparts@bluebird.com
Sincerely,
Lisa Hancock
Corporate Recall Administrator Blue Bird Corporation
402 Blue Bird Blvd, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030
Phone 478.822.2242 lisa.hancock@blue-bird.com
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 200, Macon, GA 31210 – (478) 825-2021
R20AW
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
NHTSA Recall Number: 20V-356 School Bus NHTSA Recall Number: 20V-357 Non-School Bus
DATE: July 27, 2020
SUBJECT: R20AW – Drag Link Castle Nut Torque Confirmation
Dear Blue Bird Owner:
This important safety recall notice applies to your bus(es) identified by both Blue Bird Body Number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the enclosed yellow cover sheet. If you no longer own the subject bus(es), please complete the appropriate section of the yellow cover sheet and return to Blue Bird in the enclosed pink postage prepaid envelope.
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Blue Bird Body Company is voluntarily recalling the following:
- Certain model year 2019-2021 Blue Bird Vision School Buses
- manufactured from May 10, 2019 through July 30, 2019
- Certain model year 2020 Blue Bird Vision Non-School Buses
- manufactured from May 17, 2019 through July 18, 2019
On the subject buses, it has been determined that the castle nut that attaches the drag link to the steering arm may not have been torqued to factory specifications on the affected buses. Improperly torqued drag link castle nuts could cause excessive movement at the drag link to steering arm connection which could lead to potential separation of the drag link from the steering arm and loss of steering control. If the drag link separates, loss of steering control may occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Blue Bird shall conduct a voluntary safety recall to correct this potential issue. Any potential issues should be detected by the pre-trip inspection, as required of all CDL holders.
Corrective Action:
To correct this condition, the castle nuts at both ends of the drag link assembly must be inspected for proper torque and torqued properly according to the Blue Bird provided instructions.
Labor Reimbursement:
Blue Bird will reimburse the labor cost of the repairs related to this recall at no cost to the vehicle owner. The standard repair time (SRT) to accomplish these repairs in accordance with the R20AW remedy procedure(s) is outlined below.
Repair Options and allowable labor times for this campaign:
Repair A: (Inspection & Torque)
- 0.2 hours (12 minutes)
Repair B: (Repair, If Needed)
- 0.2 hours (12 minutes)
Parts:
During the inspection, any parts needing replacement must be obtained from Blue Bird Recall Administration via email at campaignparts@blue-bird.com or return the yellow cover sheet to Blue Bird in the pink, self-addressed, postage prepaid envelope to receive parts at no charge. Be sure to provide a valid shipping address as UPS does not deliver to post office boxes. You should retain a copy of the reply sheet for your records. Parts are currently available through campaignparts@blue-bird.com
Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
If the modifications directed by this notification were performed on your bus prior to the receipt of this recall notification, attach a copy of the work order/invoice. Mail the documents in the pink self-addressed postage prepaid envelope included with the pink reply sheet to Blue Bird for warranty consideration. Reimbursements will be made in accordance with the requirements of the National Highway Transportation Safety Act, Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 573 and 577.
Please contact your local Blue Bird Dealer with any questions regarding this recall campaign.
If Blue Bird Body Company should fail to or is unable to remedy this condition without charge to you, you may contact:
ADMINISTRATOR
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
Or, you may call The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration toll free at: 1-888-327-4236 TTY 1-800-424-9153 or go to: http:/www.safercar.gov
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 200, Macon, GA 31210 – (478) 825-2021
RECALL
R20AW Drag Link Castle Nut Torque
Models Affected: Certain Model Year 2019 – 2021 Vision buses.
Issue: The castle nuts on both ends of the drag link assembly may not have been installed according to manufacturer’s installation specifications.
Corrective Action: Verify the castle nuts on both ends of the drag link assembly are torqued properly.
WARNING: Always follow all Federal, State, Local and Shop safety standards and use proper safety equipment, and thoroughly read and understand all instructions before performing these procedures.
Park bus on level surface, apply parking brake, turn off ignition key, and chock wheels.
Inspection:
1. Check the taper stud joint at both ends of the drag link to ensure the joint is tight. This can be completed by applying both vertical and horizontal pressure to the drag link.
(Push and Pull) No movement is allowed.
2. If movement is found, the drag link will need to be removed for inspection of the machined surfaces and stud threads. No wear or oblong hole is allowed.
3. Replace any components that are found to be worn or damaged.
4. If the taper joints are tight move to step (1) of the instructions.
Instructions:
1. Park bus on a level surface, apply parking brake, switch engine off, remove ignition key and chock wheels.
2. Remove cotter pin from ball stud on forward (pitman arm) end of drag link. (Fig. 1)
3. Torque castle nut on drag link ball stud to 120 ft‐lbs.
4. Remove cotter pin from ball stud on aft (steer arm) end of drag link. (Fig. 1)
5. Torque castle nut on drag link ball stud to 120 ft‐lbs.
6. Install cotter pins.
7. If castle nut slot for cotter pin does not line up with through hole in each ball stud, tighten castle nut until next slot aligns with through hole. Install cotter pin and bend‐over pin tails. WARNING: Do NOT loosen castle nut to line up slot with through hole in ball stud. Always tighten castle nut to align slot with through hole.
R20AW
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
NHTSA Recall Number: 20V-356 School Bus
NHTSA Recall Number: 20V-357 Non-School Bus
DATE: July 27, 2020
TO: U.S. DEALERS
SUBJECT: R20AW – Drag Link Castle Nut Torque Confirmation
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
This important safety recall notice applies to your buses identified by both Blue Bird Body Number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the attached yellow cover sheet.
Blue Bird Body Company is voluntarily recalling the following:
- Certain model year 2019-2021 Blue Bird Vision School Buses
- manufactured from May 10, 2019 through July 30, 2019
- Certain model year 2020 Blue Bird Vision Non-School Buses
- manufactured from May 17, 2019 through July 18, 2019
On the subject buses, it has been determined that the castle nut that attaches the drag link to the steering arm may not have been torqued to factory specifications on the affected buses. Improperly torqued drag link castle nuts could cause excessive movement at the drag link to steering arm connection which could lead to potential separation of the drag link from the steering arm and loss of steering control. If the drag link separates, loss of steering control may occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Blue Bird shall conduct a voluntary safety recall to correct this potential issue. Any potential issues should be detected by the pre-trip inspection, as required of all CDL holders.
Corrective Action:
To correct this condition, the castle nuts at both ends of the drag link assembly must be inspected for proper torque and torqued properly according to the Blue Bird provided instructions.
Labor Reimbursement:
Blue Bird will reimburse the labor cost of the repairs related to this recall at no cost to you the Dealer or to the vehicle owner. The standard repair time (SRT) to accomplish these repairs in accordance with the R20AW remedy procedure(s) is outlined below.
Repair Options and allowable labor times for this campaign:
Repair A: (Inspection & Torque)
- 0.2 hours (12 minutes)
Repair B: (Repair, If Needed)
- 0.2 hours (12 minutes)
Administering the Recall:
During the inspection, any parts needing replacement must be obtained from Blue Bird Recall Administration via email at campaignparts@blue-bird.com or return the yellow cover sheet to Blue Bird in the pink, self-addressed, postage prepaid envelope to receive parts at no charge. Be sure to provide a valid shipping address as UPS does not deliver to post office boxes. You should retain a copy of the reply sheet for your records. Parts are currently available through campaignparts@blue-bird.com
If Blue Bird’s records indicate bus(es) subject to this recall were delivered in your service area, a list of affected bus(es) will be enclosed. The bus(es) will be identified by Blue Bird Body Number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the enclosed yellow cover sheet. Dealers should verify correct owners and assure that complete mailing and shipping addresses are provided for each listed owner.
It is the dealer’s responsibility to verify that the correct owner name, address, and telephone number is provided for each listed vehicle. Any corrections or updates should be made in ClaimsCenter. Addresses that cannot be updated should be forwarded to the Recall Administrator.
Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
Dealers are reminded of their responsibilities under Section 154 of The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1991. Dealers are required to complete modifications on units in their inventory before delivering to the final owner. Reference Blue Bird Body Company Distributor Memo No. 42-92.
If you have in your possession or have sold a bus that was purchased from another dealer, that may be affected by this recall, please notify Lisa Hancock at 478-822-2242 or lisa.hancock@blue-bird.com Questions regarding this recall campaign should be directed to Lisa Hancock, as well.
Sincerely,
Lisa Hancock
Corporate Recall Administrator
Blue Bird Corporation
402 Blue Bird Blvd, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030
Phone 478.822.2242 lisa.hancock@blue-bird.com
BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 200, Macon, GA 31210 – (478) 825-2021
1 Affected Product
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| BLUE BIRD | VISION | 2020 |
9 Associated Documents
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-20V357-2506.pdf 244.807KB
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Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-20V357-5088.PDF 214.663KB
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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1
RCLQRT-20V357-7660.PDF 211.32KB
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Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-20V357-5903.pdf 240.05KB
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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)
RCMN-20V357-4623.pdf 830.905KB
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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4
RCLQRT-20V357-8314.PDF 211.235KB
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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-20V357-5604.pdf 801.84KB
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ISSUED Renotification Notice
RCRN-20V357-4617.pdf 1521.497KB
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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3
RCLQRT-20V357-1331.PDF 211.134KB
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Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V357&docType=RCL
- Tie Rod Removal Tool: Designed for secure and effectual removal of the inner rod. The inner rod can be easily removed and installed without removing the rack and pinion. Applicable to most domestic and imported vehicles, including cars, pickups, and off-road vehicles..Fit Type: Universal Fit
- 12 Pcs Crowfoot Adapters: This tie rod kit Includes 12 sizes of crowfoot-style adapters: 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/ 16", 1-1/2" and 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm. To get all your work done quickly and efficiently.
- Ultra Durable Rod: Our tie rod drawing tools and adapters are all-steel forged and used for a long time. The flexible sliding collar on the sleeve's top can tightly fix the crowd feet adapters. It is compatible with 1/2" drive wrenches and helps you get the parts that ordinary wrenches cannot install; its knurled handle allows you to firm control at any time.
- Hassle-Free Operation: The entire operation is effortless. Step 1: Slide the adapter on the plane of the lever. Step 2: Rotate the collar to fix the fishtail joint in place. Step 3: Use a 1/2 inch ratchet or impact wrench to the end hole.
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- The long socket slips over tie rod end and crows footengages on socket for easy removal and installation of tierods with inaccessible wrench flats.
- Includes 12 crowsfeet, sizes 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-1/2", 1-5/16", 1-7/16", 29mm,32.5mm, 33.6mm, 38.4mm, 40mm and 42mm
- fits many cars, trucks and SUVs.
- fit type: Vehicle Specific
- INNER TIE ROD REMOVAL TOOL SET: This tie rod kit Includes 12 sizes of crowfoot-style adapters: 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/16", 1-1/2" and 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm; Easily remove most inner tie rod ends
- ULTRA DURABLE: Tie rod puller tool's crowfoot adapters are nickel plated for durability; Work the inner tie rod tool kit on your tierod end with the confidence that your tie rod set won't bend or break during use; Get the most from our tie rods tool
- WIDELY USEFUL INNER TIE ROD TOOL: Be sure you have an inner tie rod kit that can easily reach your inner tie rod without removing the rack and pinion; Tube handle inner diameter is 2.125 in. to service small cars, pick-ups, and SUVs
- USE A RATCHET OR BREAKER BAR: Properly torque the inner tie rod remover on the tie rod end without hassle; Tie rod end puller's 1/2 Inch drive tube handle makes it easy to remove and re-install tie rod ends; Tie rod puller kit gives you proper reach
- EFFORTLESS ORGANIZATION: OEM Tools inner tie rod tool can be taken anywhere easily; Tie rod end removal tool comes in a blow mold case for easy organization; The inner tie rod end tool is portable for use on tie rod inner ends on your family's fleet
- INNER TIE ROD REMOVAL TOOL: This Orion Motor Tech inner tie rod removal tool set lets you remove and install inner tie rods without removing the rack and pinion; the 1/2 Inch drive tube handle with a 2.1 in inner diameter allows servicing on small cars, pick-ups, and SUVs
- 12 CROWFOOT ADAPTERS: The 12 crowfoot adapters cover most common SAE and metric sizes of 1-3/16", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/16", 1-1/2", 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm, and 42 mm
- UNIQUE DESIGN: Our inner tie rod remover's 20 inch tube handle lets you remove and install inner tie rods in places where sockets and wrenches can’t fit; works on inner tie rods with inaccessible wrench flats
- SUPERIOR DURABILITY: Our tie rod drawing tools and adapters are steel forged for lasting strength; the flexible sliding collar at the top of the sleeve tightly attaches the crowd feet adapters
- HASSLE-FEE OPERATION: Thanks to intuitive design and clear instructions our rod removal set is easy to use; select the right adapter, slide it over the tie rod, click the tool and adapter together, then use a 1/2 inch ratchet or impact wrench to remove the rod
- (1) ALL IN ONE FRONT END SERVICE KIT: Containing 5 adjustable tools for a wide range of domestic and import vehicles. Comes with 1x Ball Joint Separator, 1x Tie Rod and Ball Joint Remover, 1x Conical Pitman Arm Puller, 1x Pitman Arm and Tie Rod End Puller, 1x Pitman Arm Puller, 1x well-organized ABS case.
- (2) HARDENED ALLOY CONSTRUCTION: Extraordinarily tough and durable alloy means these tools can stand up to the toughest jobs. This front end service tool kit can remove the most stubborn ball joints, tie rod ends, and pitman arms.
- (3) UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES: The versatile design allows this tool to be used as a pitman arm remover, ball joint separator, or tie rod end puller for many small, domestic rear-wheel-drive vehicles, import vehicles, and light trucks.
- (4) PROFESSIONAL PORTABLE ABS CASE: The custom-molded case is crafted from high-quality ABS hard plastic for the amateur or professional mechanic on the go. Conveniently keeps all your tools in one organized and secure place. Never miss out on a job or project from a misplaced tool.
- (5) ORION MOTOR TECH PROMISE: If any issues from our tools arise please don’t hesitate to contact us. We guarantee the quality of our tools and want to ensure you’re only getting the best. Because to do perform your best, you deserve the best, that’s our Orion Motor Tech Promise.
- [Perform Maintenance on Your Vehicle]: The ABN Master Inner Tie Rod Tool Removal 4-Piece Kit allows you to save time to make adjustments without removing the rack and pinion to access hard-to-reach tie rods
- [For Your Toolkit]: With its 1/2-inch square drive, this tie rod remover tool will work with your existing 1/2-inch drive wrench (not for power tools); Constructed from black coated steel for maximum strength and longevity
- [Fits Your Vehicle]: 1 3/16-inch adapter compatible with most front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles with new style tie rods; 1 5/16-inch adapter compatible with most rear wheel drive (RWD) and vehicles with racks and pinion power steering; 1 7/16-inch adapter compatible with most cars with saginaw in steering gear
- [Easy Storage]: No need to worry about tie rod end removal tool kit parts getting lost in your workshop; Heavy-duty 16.75 x 2.25 x 7.5 inch (42.5 x 5.7 x 19.1cm) plastic blow-molded carrying case with 2 latches and built-in handle for easy transportation, safe storage, and quick organization
- [Package Contents]: Tie rod end removal tool set includes (1) dual socket rapid slide collar inner tie rod tool (1‐3/16-inch and 1‐5/16-inch hex), (3) adaptors (1‐3/16, 1‐5/1, 1‐7/16 inch adapters with 1‐5/16 inch hex), and (1) carrying case for your convenience
- 1. ALL IN ONE FRONT END SERVICE KIT: Containing 5 adjustable tools for a wide range of domestic and import vehicles. Comes with 1x Ball Joint Separator, 1x Tie Rod and Ball Joint Remover, 1x Conical Pitman Arm Puller, 1x Pitman Arm and Tie Rod End Puller, 1x Pitman Arm Puller, 1x well-organized ABS case.
- 2. HARDENED ALLOY CONSTRUCTION: Extraordinarily tough and durable alloy means these tools can stand up to the toughest jobs. This front end service tool kit can remove the most stubborn ball joints, tie rod ends, and pitman arms.
- 3. UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES: The versatile design allows this tool to be used as a pitman arm remover, ball joint separator, or tie rod end puller for many small, domestic rear-wheel-drive vehicles, import vehicles, and light trucks.
- 4. PROFESSIONAL PORTABLE ABS CASE: The custom-molded case is crafted from high-quality ABS hard plastic for the amateur or professional mechanic on the go. Conveniently keeps all your tools in one organized and secure place. Never miss out on a job or project from a misplaced tool.
- 5. ORION MOTOR TECH PROMISE: If any issues from our tools arise please don’t hesitate to contact us. We guarantee the quality of our tools and want to ensure you’re only getting the best. Because to do perform your best, you deserve the best, that’s our Orion Motor Tech Promise.
- Tie rod/Pitman arm adjusting set
- Consists of one Pitman arm and four tie rod tools
- Included in a blow-molded storage case
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- 12Pcs Crowfoot Adapters: The rod kit includes 12 crowfoot adapters, all of which are in the most common SAE and metric sizes: 1-3/16 ", 1-1/4", 1-5/16", 1-3/8", 1-7/16", 1-1/2", 29 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.6 mm, 38.4 mm, 40 mm and 42 mm. To get everything done quickly and efficiently to meet your needs
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- Easy to Use: First slide the adapter onto the flats of the lever, then rotate the collar to hold the fishtail fitting in place, and finally insert a 1/2" ratchet or impact spanner into the end hole. The inner lever can then be easily removed
- A Complete Set: This rod removal tool kit is a complete set that includes a rod, 12 adapters and a portable case. All tools are stored in this case, and fixed, easy to store and carry tools
- Facilitates 360-degree rotation of adjusting sleeve in tight areas
- Blow molded case keeps the tools organized and easy to transport
- 1 PC Pitman arm tool
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- Weight 2.5 lbs.
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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