LTB 895/08 Vauxhall Combo Van - Steering Column Bolt Failure

[TrueBlueTerrier]

No. 895/08


Ref V5


Date: 18 November 2008



To: All Postal Branches



Dear Colleagues



Re: Vauxhall Combo Van - Steering Column Bolt Failure



Following reports received by the Health, Safety & Environment Department of steering failures on Royal Mail Vauxhall Combo vans due to steering column coupling bolts shearing off, enquiries were initiated with Royal Mail Vehicle Services regarding this matter and an immediate and satisfactory reply has been received the details of which are that following an increase in reported upper bolt failures on the intermediate steering shaft of Vauxhall Combo�s, an urgent message was issued by Royal Mail Vehicle Services, along with a Technical Services Bulletin (TSB) No 62/08 to the RT Workshop Network for urgent action on the 14 November 2008. It was sent to the Territory, Programme and Performance managers. A mail message also went out on the M4 Computer System to the RT Workshop Network as follows:

"With reference to 'Red' TSB 62/08 - Steering Universal Joint U/J Upper Bolt Replacement.

Based on the potential risk associated with a Steering U/J upper bolt failure and subsequent to a report received, a decision has been taken to upgrade the status of this rework to a 'Black' TSB with a revised completion date of the 31 December 08.

Whilst we have decided to take this course of action, can I reiterate that the vehicles in question are still safe to use.

We feel it is important that these bolts are replaced as soon as possible on the affected vehicles, therefore I would ask that all Workshops give this TSB the highest priority and take the necessary action required to immediately complete this rework.

Thank you for your support.
Fergus Alexander."

Yours Sincerely



Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB 894/08 Vauxhall Combo Van - Faulty Handbrake

No. 894/08


Ref V4


Date: 18 November 2008



To: All Postal Branches



Dear Colleagues,



Vauxhall Combo Van - Faulty Handbrake



As you may know from media reports Vauxhall Signum, Vectra and Corsa models were recalled by the manufacturer in order to modify the handbrake.



This has led to questions being raised about Royal Mail Fleet Vauxhall Combo Vans which have been relayed to Royal Mail Vehicle Services who confirmed that the Combo has a different handbrake mechanism fitted to that on the Signum, Vectra and Corsa models. Vehicle Service also informed us that in spite of having a total of 12,400 Vauxhall Combo Vans in service only two reported Handbrake Failures, leading to the vehicles rolling away, have come to their attention. Both were investigated. These were Ashford in Kent and Loch Lomond in Scotland and after the vehicles concerned had been fully inspected by the workshop and the handbrake tested, no faults were found and in both cases the handbrake worked perfectly well. From this it was concluded that in both cases the only explanation had to be driver error that had caused the vehicles to roll away, the cause probably being that the handbrake lever had not been fully applied at the time by the drivers concerned.



Apart from these only a handful of anecdotal reports or rumours have reached Vehicle Services HQ regarding drivers complaining about the handbrake not working correctly on the Vauxhall Combo, especially new 08 registered models. Vehicle Services believe there have been more incidents which have not reported to them and a message has been sent out to the Road Transport Workshop network stating that:



It is imperative that if a Driver complains of any vehicle Safety Issue (especially a braking system one) that these incidents are reported to: Engineering Support at Vehicle Services HQ, Chesterfield. Tel: 01246 547265.



If possible report them on a PMT18 form or if not available then telephone.



Engineering Support at Vehicle Services HQ will require the vehicle information (Serial No. Reg No. Mileage, and Workshop.) (Speak to Malcolm Duckworth Light Vehicles Manager or e-mail malcolm.duckworth@royalmail.com,



Yours Sincerely





Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer