Insufficient U-Bolt Torque Causing Axle Separation – 2018 SVO Group Embassy Shuttle Buses

March 8, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V194000

Insufficient U-Bolt Torque Causing Axle Separation

The loose U-bolts may further loosen or break allowing the axle to separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V194

Manufacturer SVO Group Inc

Components SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected 5

 

Summary

SVO Group Inc. (SVO Group) is recalling certain 2018 Embassy shuttle buses. The U-bolts that hold the leaf spring to the rear axle may have been insufficiently tightened.

 

Remedy

SVO Group has notified owners and instructed them to contact MORryde International, Inc. for the repairs. Owners may contact SVO Group customer service at 1-574-295-9359.

 

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.

 

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Please be reminded of the following requirements:

– When a vehicle crash is not the potential occurrence, the evaluation must include a statement indicating the general type of injury to occupants of the vehicle, or to persons outside the vehicle, that can result from the defect or noncompliance, and a description of whatever prior warning may occur (49 CFR 577.5 (f)(2)).

– In the case of a defect, a chronology of all principal events that were the basis for the determination that the defect related to motor vehicle safety, including a summary of all warranty claims, field or service reports, and other information (such as numbers of deaths and/or injuries), with their dates of receipt (49 CFR 573.6 (c)(6)).

– A description of the manufacturer’s program for remedying the defect or noncompliance (49 CFR 573.6 (c)(8)(i)).

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Important Safety Recall Notice

March 11, 2019

To Whom it May Concern

You have purchased a vehicle that had a wheelbase modification from MORryde that required a Safety Recall Notice.

MORryde has detected that Ford E450 units that had a wheelbase modification during the dates of March 6 ,2018 through April 18, 2018 , have unverified U-bolt torque & are affected by this recall.

You have a unit that is affected by this recall. Vehicle in Question : VIN#

The enclosed Safety Recall Notice explains what procedures need to be taken to rectify this issue.

If you have any questions concerning this Recall Notice please contact MORryde at 574-293-1581

Best Regard

Gary Rivers
Director of Sales & Marketing

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

MORryde U-Bolt Torque

Dear MORryde Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

MORryde has detected that Ford E-450 units that had wheelbase modification (luting the dates of March 6th, 2018 through April 18th, 2018, have unverified u-bolt torque and are affected by this recall. The OEM u-bolts were replaced by MORryde as part of the wheelbase modification process. This wheelbase modification service has been sold to numerous RV and bus companies.

REASON FOR RECALL: The u-bolts installed over the rear axle hold the leaf springs and rear axle together.

Insufficient torque on the u-bolts may cause the u-bolts to loosen or break resulting In the potential for the rear axle to break away from the chassis. This could lead to loss of control over the vehicle and pose danger to the vehicle operator and other motorists.

REMEDY: Tighten u-bolts to required torque. This service can be provided for no charge at an RV service center or authorized Ford dealer. Discontinue use of vehicle until the vehicle can be serviced to prevent the risk of injury.

If after having attempted to take advantage of this recall you believe you have not been able to have your detective part remedied without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-tree vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this safety recall may cause, but your safety is our first concern

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

MORryde U-Bolt Torque

 

OBJECTIVE: Tighten u-bolts to required torque.

 

TOOLS REQUIRED:

• Torque wrench with at least 170 ft-lb capacity
• Socket extension 5″ or longer
• 15/16 deep well socket
• (Optional) Air jack

TIME ALLOWED: .30 hours

 

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set torque wrench to 170 ft-lb.
2. The best way to access the u-bolts is straight above the rear tires facing the sidewall 01 the unit. It may be necessary to use an air jack or floor jack under the rear hitch or frarne extensions to provide access for the torque wrench and extension to fit under the sidewall. (Exhibit A)

3. Using Exhibit B below as a guide, tighten u-bolt 1 until the torque wrench has reached EXHIBIT the set torque 170 ft-lb. After this is complete, continue tightening the rest of the Il-bolts following the diagonal pattern depicted in Exhibit B in order 1, 4, 2, 3.
4. Once all four u-bolts on one side of the vehicle have been tightened to the required torque to 170 ft-lb, repeat step three on the other side of the vehicle.

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

SVO GROUP

EMBASSY BUS

2018

 

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3 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V194-4970.pdf 246.523KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V194-8006.PDF 212.103KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-19V194-7718.pdf 1246.266KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V194&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2026-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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