SB-10054773-9558

SERVICE BULLETIN 53
Priority I
7 September 2012

Dear Service Manager:

This letter is to inform you of a Request for Inspection of ASL-700 Chariots. We have received a small number
field complaints of units where the hardware holding the actuator component together has loosened or pulled
out. An investigation of these units has shown the cause to be an irregularity in the actuator casting This is NOT
a condition experienced during any of the Chariot’s extensive testing, it is condition for which we want to have all
units in the field inspected.
We have created this service bulletin which describes the process to easily inspect the actuator in less than 30
minutes. If a loose actuator is found, it will be replaced. If loose, the unit should not be run on the road until the
actuator is replaced. If the actuator is tight and there are no visual signs it is loose when operating, the unit will
operate as designed. We have worked with the supplier to eliminate this actuator condition, and the actuators
now being shipped have these modifications.
We ask that you do the following:
1) Request your customer come into your location to have the inspection completed within the next 3
weeks.
2) Perform the inspection according to the process outlined in the service bulletin.
3) If you have any questions about the condition of the actuator or the parts, take a photograph and
upload it to [email protected] You will get a response call within a few minutes.
Upon receipt of the filled out cover letter, we will reimburse you for a 1 hour Service Call. Please inform Bruno as
soon as you have finished the inspection.
As an ISO-9001 certified manufacturer, Bruno Independent Living Aids takes pride in building quality products
that afford its customers greater independence. We have taken steps with our supplier to prevent a situation like
this from occurring in the future. We constantly monitor and make improvements to these products to ensure the
long-term satisfaction of the user. This service bulletin is the result of Bruno’s internal monitoring system.
If you have any questions on Service Bulletin No. 53, please contact our Technical Service Department at
1-800-656-0552 or 262-953-5519 (FAX).
Sincerely,

VERIFICATION DATA TO BE FAXED OR EMAILED
William W. Belson III
Director of Engineering
Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.

Dealer No. and Name ___________________________
Serial Number of unit : __________________________
VIN Number of unit : 54L ________________________
Actuator :

____Inspected

_____ Replaced

Your name (printed) ____________________________
Your signature ________________________________

SERVICE
BULLETIN
NUMBER 53

PRIORITY I

DATE: 7 September 2012
PRODUCT: ASL-700 Chariot Actuator
SHIP DATES: 10 November 2011 – 31 August 2012
SERIAL NUMBERS: 11110600003 to1208060015
TOPIC: Actuator Inspection for Casting assembly issues
Tools required: Detailed with Instructions
Estimated time: 25 minutes after unit arrives in shop

PROCEDURE:

1. Follow the instructions
provided to perform a
series of visual
inspections of the
actuator casting and
linkages.
2. Position the vehicle on
a level surface, shift into
Park, set the parking
brake and turn off.
3. After lowering the
platform to the ground
remove the wheelchair
or scooter. The platform
can be “jockeyed” up or
down to take the load
off the actuator. This is
when it can be moved
on the mounts by hand.
4. Turn the Keyswitch
OFF before removing
bolt on main mast.
5. The first visual check is
to make sure all 4 of the
screws holding the
actuator tube to the
casting by the motor are
there. If not, contact
Bruno Technical
Service.

PRIORITY EXPLANATION:
PRIORITY I - SAFETY RELATED CONCERN, REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!

PRIORITY II - CAN HAVE PROFOUND EFFECT ON THE LIFE OF THE PRODUCT, REQUIRES PROMPT ATTENTION.
PRIORITY III - AFFECTS CONVENIENCE, EASE OF OPERATION, POSSIBLY LONG RANGE PRODUCT LIFE,
REQUIRES PROMPT ATTENTION.
PRIORITY IV - INFORMATIONAL IN NATURE, MAY ENHANCE CONVENIENCE OR VERSATILITY OF PRODUCT,
TIMELY ATTENTION WILL PROMOTE POSITIVE CUSTOMER RELATIONS.
© 2012 Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.®

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Form F7.3-23 Rev 8/4/08

Service Bulletin No. 53

6. Place a rag or
piece of foam
between the
actuator and the
Bottom Link ASL70021. The
actuator will drop
as the bolt is
removed

RAG

TOOLS NEEDED:
1/4:” Allen Wrench
Ratchet with 9/16” socket
Torque wrench
Needle nose Pliers
(to hold washers in reassembly)
Digital Camera
Rag
Light

7. Remove ½” socket
head bolt holding
the Motor side of
actuator to the
Front Channel
Assembly ASL70023. There are 2
plastic washers on
each side of
actuator and a
spacer under the
nut to keep track of.
8. After lowering the
actuator turn the
Key switch ON and
run the actuator
“UP” for about 6 to
8 inches. This will
allow you to rotate
and view the
actuator clearly.
9. Turn Keyswitch
“OFF”.
10. The next check is
to Visually inspect
the sides of the
casting for any
cracks or
separation of the 2
halves of the
casting along the
gasket line.

© 2012 Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.®

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Form F7.3-23 Rev 8/4/08

Service Bulletin No. 53

11. The next check is
performed by Holding
the mounting half of
actuator in one hand –
Grasp the motor and
twist the actuator.
While turning, visually
inspect the sides of the
casting for separation
along the gasket line.

FRONT LINK AND TOP
LINK ARE REMOVED
FROM ILLUSTRATION
FOR CLARIFICATIONTHEY DO NOT NEED
TO BE REMOVED!

12. Repeat this holding
onto the cover tube as
well.
13. If you see movement,
between the actuator
halves, the actuator
needs to be replaced.
Contact Bruno
Technical Service.

© 2012 Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.®

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Form F7.3-23 Rev 8/4/08

Service Bulletin No. 53

EXAMPLE VIEWS TO HELP IDENTIFY CHANNEL CONDITION

Photo showing NO gouge marks – just the
expected dirt and road residue

14. If you see gouge marks the actuator MAY
need to be replaced. Contact Bruno
Technical Service.
15. REMINDER if actuator is Loose the unit
should not be driven until actuator is
replaced.

Gouge area shows worn off Powder coat
and E-coat under layer and displaced
metal. Running finger across the area will
give good indication if metal has been
displaced. This could be an indication the
actuator casting is loose. If in doubt –
Photograph and email to:
[email protected]

16. Visually inspect the rest of unit checking
safety chains and restraint belts for wear

© 2012 Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.®

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Form F7.3-23 Rev 8/4/08

Service Bulletin No. 53

17. Reassemble unit by
turning Keyswitch
“ON” and extending
actuator so it lines
up with Lower
channel.
18. Feed ½” Socket
head bolt from
Passenger side.
WATCH TO MAKE
SURE WIRING
STAYS TO THE
CLOSED SIDE OF
CHANNEL AND
DOES NOT GET
PINCHED.

TORQUE TO 12 ft-lbs

19. Replace washers on
each side – use
needle nose pliers to
hold washer in place
– rotating the bold
while feeding it thru.

WASHERS
SPACER

20. Replace spacer on
outside of Front
Channel
21. Torque the nut to
12ft-lbs
22. Turn Keyswitch
“ON”, and operate
unit to verify
everything operates
correctly.
23. Fill in coversheet
paperwork and email
or FAX to Bruno
Technical Service.

© 2012 Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.®

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Form F7.3-23 Rev 8/4/08

Service Bulletin No. 53

© 2012 Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc.®

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Form F7.3-23 Rev 8/4/08

Service Bulletin No. 53