Special Bulletin
Revision C:

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

7

1(8)

This document supersedes previous revisions.
Updated as per DA comments.

RADIUS RODS BUSHINGS REPLACEMENT –DRIVE AXLE
Prevost vehicles
DESCRIPTION
On the vehicles affected by this bulletin, the bushings found on the drive axle longitudinal radius rods have
to be replaced.
The bushings found on the transversal radius rod (a.k.a. Panhard bar) do not have to be replaced and are
not involved in the bulletin.

MODEL YEAR(S) AND VEHICLES INVOLVED
NOTICE TO SERVICE CENTERS
Verify vehicle eligibility by checking warranty bulletin status with SAP or via ONLINE WARRANTY
SYSTEM available on Service / Warranty tab of Prevost website.

Model

VIN

X3-45 Commuter
Model Year : 2012

From 2PCG33495CC735053 up to 2PCG33495CC735232 incl.

This bulletin does not necessarily apply to all the above-mentioned vehicles, some vehicles may have been modified before delivery. The
owners of the vehicles affected by this bulletin will be advised by a letter indicating the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each
vehicle concerned.

MATERIAL NEEDED
Order kit “SP14-24” for completion of one vehicle. This kit includes the following parts:
Part No.

Description

Qty

110815

RETAINER PLATE

6

110818

TABLOCK

6

630021

BUSHING, RUBBER

6

5001046

WASHER, TEMPERED FL 21/32 x 1 ½ x 3/16

12

5001372

SCREW, CAP M16-2.0 x 50 lg N500 G10.9

12

NOTE
Material can be obtained through regular channels.

Special Bulletin

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

7

2(8)

REQUIRED TOOLS
PRY BAR

TORQUE WRENCH AND METRIC SOCKET
SET

LARGE FLAT SCREW DRIVER

MEASURING TAPE

ENGINEER HAMMER

SPRAY BOTTLE AND WATER

PIECE OF WOOD

LOCKING PLIERS

METRIC OPEN END WRENCH SET

PROCEDURE

DANGER
Park vehicle safely, apply parking brake, stop engine. In the battery box, set the battery cut-off switch
to the OFF position prior to working on the vehicle.

Special Bulletin

FIGURE 1: RADIUS RODS IDENTIFICATION – DRIVE AXLE
SUBFRAME, CURBSIDE (DRIVE AXLE NOT SHOWN)

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

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FIGURE 2: RADIUS RODS IDENTIFICATION – DRIVE AXLE
SUBFRAME, STREET SIDE (DRIVE AXLE NOT SHOWN)

DRIVE AXLE
Radius rod
completed

1
2
3





NOTE
It is recommended to proceed with one radius rod at a time. Remove a radius rod, replace the
existing bushings and reinstall the radius rod with the new hardware as per the following
procedure then proceed to the next radius rod.
NOTE
To ease removal of the radius rods, the suspension should be at the normal ride height.
Preparation
1. Using six mobile column lifts, lift the vehicle from under the front wheels, the drive axle wheels and the
tag axle wheels. Make sure the vehicle is level.
2. Using four appropriate jack stands, adequately support the drive axle subframe at the four locations
shown on figure 3. Do not alter the normal ride height.
3. To ease access to the radius rods, remove the drive axle wheels.

Special Bulletin

FIGURE 3: SUPPORT THE DRIVE AXLE SUBFRAME AT
THE FOUR LOCATIONS SHOWN (drive axle not shown)

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

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FIGURE 4

Radius Rod Removal (typical)
4. Identify the radius rods needing replacement of the bushings with figures 1 & 2.
5. At each end of the radius rod, flatten the tab washers (figure 4) which secure the retaining bolts.
Unscrew the bolts and discard the bolts, the tab washers and the retainer plates.
6. Exert force to pull the radius rod ends from the attachment point. You can use a pry bar but don’t
knock on the radius rod.
Bushing removal (typical)
4. Extract the old bushing by knocking the radius rod end flat on a steel table to pop the bushing out
(figure 5). Once the bushing has partially move out (figure 6) of the radius rod end, complete the
extraction using an appropriate tool such as pliers or cylindrical piece of proper diameter to push the
bushing out of the radius rod end.

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

Special Bulletin

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

7

5(8)

Bushing installation (typical)
5. Generously spray the inner and outer surfaces of radius rod bushing with water. Rub the bushing
vigorously in your hands to make the water adhere as much as possible to the rubber.

CAUTION
No lubricant or soapy water whatsoever should be used on the rubber bushing.
6. Generously spray the inner surface of the radius rod end with water.
7. Place radius rod bushing on a plane surface. Spray water once again on the inner and outer surfaces
of radius rod bushing.
8. Properly place and align the bushing inside the radius rod end. Tap radius rod on bushing until it pops
in place.
9. Center the bushing, even each side of the radius rod end (figures 7 & 8). You can sink the radius rod
under water to ease this operation.

INCORRECT

FIGURE 7

CORRECT

FIGURE 8

Radius Rod Installation (typical)
10. Generously spray water on the cylindrical protrusion of the radius rod support and inside the bushing.
Place the radius rod end over the cylindrical extension of the radius rod support.

CAUTION
It is extremely important upon installation of the rods that the proper clearance height (normal
ride height) between the axle and body be maintained. Otherwise, the rubber bushings in radius
rod ends will become preloaded, thus reducing their life span.
11. Tap on the bushing with an engineer hammer over a piece of wood rather than on the radius rod itself,
it helps keeping the bushing centered in the radius rod end.

Special Bulletin

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

7

6(8)

NOTE
Make sure the rod end is still centered over the bushing or even slightly out. Compressing the
bushing on one side only tends to push the rod in too much. Centering the rod on the bushing
is very important. Doing so will extend life of the bushing.

FIGURE 9

FIGURE 10

12. Install the retainer plate, the tab lock, the tempered washers, the cap screws (finger-tight) in this order
(figure 9 & 10). Do not apply lubricant, Loctite or anti-seize compound whatsoever on the cap screws.
Do not bend the tab locks at the moment.

Special Bulletin

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

7

7(8)

13. 3 steps tightening. Tighten the cap screws at one side of the radius rod to a torque of 50 lbf-ft and
then do the same at the other end of the radius rod (use a 24mm socket).
14. Tighten the cap screws at one side of the radius rod to a torque of 100 lbf-ft and then do the same at
the other end of the radius rod.
15. Apply final torque of 140-155 lbf-ft at one end of the radius rod and then to the other end.
16. Inspect the final installation. Appraise the rubber bulges on each side of both bushings. They
should be equal and similar (see figures 11 & 12). If the dimension is in question use the go-nogo
gauge # 110816 as illustrated in figure 10. If the rubber bulges are too dissimilar, unscrew and
reposition the radius rod. Tighten again as previous described.
NOTE
Note that the rod always has a tendency to move inboard on the support. We recommend
starting the rod a little out on the bushing to prevent this situation.

FIGURE 11 - STILL ACCEPTABLE

FIGURE 12 - NOT ACCEPTABLE

CAUTION
Always use new tab washers at installation.
17. When proper installation is achieved, bend the tab lock on the cap screw head.
18. Proceed to the next radius rod as previous described.
Final steps
19. Reinstall the drive axle wheels. Tighten the wheel studs to a torque of 450-500 lbf-ft dry.
20. Lower the vehicle and lower the tag axle.

Special Bulletin

SP14-24C
Date

Expiration

Release

Page

04.2014

04.2016

7

8(8)

PARTS / WASTE DISPOSAL
Discard waste according to applicable environmental regulations (Municipal/State[Prov.]/ Federal)

ESTIMATED TIME
The time required to perform this special bulletin is approximately 4 ½ hours.
OTHER
n/a
VBC Bulletin

Fail Code

16.03

Defect Code

09

System Condition

B

Causal Part

630021

Prevost engages in a continuous program of testing and evaluating to provide the best possible product. Prevost, however, is not
committed to, or liable for updating existing products.