1997 International Harvester RE 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 school and transit buses built with bosch zero offset pin slide (zops) hydraulic disc brakes, the zops hydraulic disc brakes may experience calipers sticking in the applied position, which can result in excessive or abnormal heat generation at one or more of the brakes.

Risk: The combination of the following factors may collectively result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety: potential fire at a wheel end, high incident rates of stuck calipers, and evacuation and containment concerns relating to multiple passengers.

Fix: International will notify its customers and repair the buses free of charge. The recall began october 29, 2004.

Problem: On certain school buses, galvanic corrosion on the die cast adapter plate causes distortion of the wagon wheel seals that are mounted on the adapter plate. If the seals become distorted, the tipper valves cannot properly seat against the wagon wheel seals. If the tipper valves cannot seat completely, the fluid can back flow past the valves towards the reservoir and create a pressure loss for the front brakes, the rear brakes, or both.

Risk: This condition can result in an extended stopping distance without warning to the driver and the driver may feel the pedal fade or go completely to the floor, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and the master cylinders found to have the original die cast adapter plate design will be replaced. Owner notification began march 22, 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.