1998 International Harvester 3000 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Problem: On certain school, transit, and commercial buses equipped with adjustable steering columns, the steering shaft pinch bolt interferes with the rubber boot that protects it. Over time, a hole may wear into the boot and catch the bolt.

Risk: If the bolt catches on the hole, the boot may restrict the movement of the steering wheel which could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: International notify its customers and inspect and, if necessary, repair the steering column. Owner notification began november 19, 2003. Owners should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.

Problem: On certain transit and school buses, a brass fitting connects the double check valve to the brake relay valve. With certain inputs to the vehicle, the weight of the check valve on the fitting can cause the assembly to resonate. The subject vibration can cause excessive strain levels in the fitting, which could eventually fatigue and fail.

Risk: If the fitting breaks, the rear service brakes will cease to operate without warning, resulting in an extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a kit to remount the double check valve with a flexible hose on the amjority of vehicles. On a small number of units with clearance issues or traction control, a kit with a new relay valve that has a built-in double check valve will be installed. Owner notification began august 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.

Problem: Certain heavy duty trucks, truck tractors, and buses equipped with 195/75r22.5 tires mounted on 7.5 inch wide wheels fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." these tires and rims do not match.

Risk: Tires mounted on rims that are too narrow could experience a decrease in sidewall durability, and could also experience higher treadwear for tires mounted on the steering axle.

Fix: Dealers will install new rims of an acceptable width (8.25 - 9 9inches) for the 295/75r22.5 tire size. Owner notification began august 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact international at 1-800-448-7825.

Problem: Vehicle description: transit buses built with bendix air abs with an ec-17 1030r electronic control unit (ecu). There have been reports of unwanted abs activation at low speeds caused by 1) chafed abs wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or 2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal.

Risk: This condition could cause the abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the abs ecu.

Problem: Vehicle description: school and heavy duty trucks built with bendix air abs. The abs sensor wires on rotating parts chafes which can lead to a false signal being sent to the bendix abs electronic control unit (ecu).

Risk: This could cause the air abs ecu to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the sensor wiring routing and re-route or replace the abs sensors as required.