SERVICE BULLETIN
SB1667
ADDRESSEES

: Academy Bus

VEHICLE MODEL

: CX35 and CX45

MANUAL CHAPTER

: 12.06 Axles – front axle (CX35 and CX45)
12.14 Axles – trailing axle (CX45 only)

BULLETIN TYPE

: Field change program

DATE

: October 03rd, 2019

SUBJECT

: To replace fastening system of wheel-suspension
arm articulations

CONDITIONS

: Refer to chapter "Warranty" further on in this bulletin.

APPLICATION:
The field change program, which is subject of this bulletin, applies only to the units listed below:
Vehicle type
CX35
CX45

VIN
49281 49290, 49796 49800, 49889 49894
4933649360, 4975149760, 4977649785
81001 81005, 81270 81282, 81291 81295,
81336 81340, 81353 81355

DESCRIPTION:
• Owners and operators of above mentioned vehicles are asked to first check which type of
fastening system is used and, in case of a M20 fastening system, to replace it by a M18
fastening system as explained in this service bulletin.
• Van Hool apologises for the inconvenience caused by this field change program and wishes to
thank you in advance for your cooperation.

M18

M20

Figure 1: Fastening of wheel-suspension arm joints (figure shows front-wheel suspension)

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COMPARISON OF FASTENING SYSTEMS:
M18 fastening system

M20 fastening system

Figure 3

Properties of screw 10647991:
• width across flats: 27 mm
• screw shaft thickness: 18 mm
• screw shaft length: 210 mm
• thread type: M18x1,5 mm

Properties of screw 11412448:
• width across flats: 27 mm
• screw shaft thickness: 20 mm
• screw shaft length: 205 mm
• thread type: M20x1,5 mm

Properties of nut 660207287:
• width across flats: 27 mm
• height: 18 mm
• self-locking (by mechanical deformation of
nut)

NOTE: Notwithstanding the thicker screw shaft,
the width across flats of the M20 screw has
remained 27 mm!
Properties of nut 11424238:
• width across flats: 27 mm
• height: 20 mm
• self-locking (by notches at end of thread)

COMPONENTS:
Parts of kit VH11691985

Figure 4

VH reference
10647991
660207287
660632502

Description
Screw
Self-locking nut
Washer

Quantity *
1
1
2

*Quantity suited for one joint
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JOB QUALIFICATION
This job has to be carried out by a technician experienced in suspension systems.

PREPARATIONS
• Park the vehicle on a level-surfaced pit with the front wheels straight. Apply the parking brake,
stop the engine, switch off all systems and turn off the battery master switch on the dashboard.
• Turn off the mechanical battery switch.
• Put a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag on the instrument panel before beginning any inspection or
performing any repair.
• Place chocks in front of and behind the drive axle wheels.
• Read the entire procedure before beginning to work.

WARNING!
Observe safe shop practices at all times.

PROCEDURE
Step

Action

1

Identify the fastening system on the front axle by means of the figures under
"Comparison of fastening systems". Do this on the LH as well as on the RH side of
the vehicle, and for the upper as well as for the lower wheel-suspension arms. For
3-axle vehicles, repeat this procedure for the trailing axle.
Change, if present, the M20 retaining bolts as explained in ”STEP 2 IN DETAIL”.
Notify ABC Companies by mail. Write the text “SB1667 completed for VIN…..” in the
mail and send the mail to [email protected].
For ABC Companies only: register through the registration button located behind
Service Bulletin SB1667 on the Van Hool customer portal. Write the text "SB1667
completed" in the field "Remark". Labor allowance will only be awarded after Van
Hool has received the registration.

2
3
4

End of procedure.
STEP 2 IN DETAIL: To replace M20 retaining bolts
NOTE: The steps/figures shown in the procedure are for a front axle. The procedure for a
trailing axle is broadly similar.
Step
2.1

2.2
2.3

Action
Ensure chocks are placed in front of and behind the drive axle wheels. Jack up the
vehicle until the wheels clear the ground. Support the chassis with stands or wooden
blocks.
Discharge all the air from the air system by opening the drain valves of all air tanks.
Remove the road wheel.

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2.4

Disconnect the leveling valve connection rod from its lower attachment. Pull down
the leveling valve actuating lever to deflate the air bellows.

Figure 5: Leveling valve on front
axle
1. Actuating lever
2. Connection rod

2.5

2.6

Check that part of the rubber bushings that is immediately visible for damage. If no
damage is perceptible, the rubber bushings can stay in place. Otherwise, you have
to change them according to the instructions mentioned in the maintenance manual.
Remove the articulation assembly bolts.

Figure 6

2.7

Install the M18 articulation assembly bolts from the kit. The “hollow” side of the
spring washers must be directed towards the suspension arm (refer to figure 7).
Hand-tighten the nut of the articulation assembly bolts.

Figure 7: Articulation joint,
steering knuckle carrier side
1. Suspension arm
2. Articulation assembly bolt
(with self-locking nut)
3. Articulation assembly
shaft
4. Steering knuckle carrier
5. Rubber bushing
6. Special spring washer

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2.8

Jack up the steering knuckle carrier until the suspension arms are horizontal.

2.9
2.10
2.11

NOTE: Both rubber bushings must be twisted equally strong when the wheel moves
up and down. Therefore the articulation assembly bolt may only be fastened while
the suspension arms are in horizontal position.
Tighten the articulation assembly bolts to a torque of 300 + 50 Nm (220 + 35 ft.lbf).
Reconnect the leveling valve connection rod to its lower attachment.
Install the road wheel and lower the vehicle (refer to the appropriate Van Hool

2.12

Fill the air system.

Maintenance Manual for wheel installation instructions).

WARRANTY:
1. Conditions
Van Hool accepts claims for this conversion as follows:
Compensation for labor hours: 15 minutes per retaining bolt replaced
Campaign target date: Service Bulletin issue date + 0.5 year
2. Claim references:
•
•
•

Job code: SB1667-1
Claim submission: Contact ABC Customer Care Warranty Department for guidance.
Monitoring and performance: The claim records pertaining to this Bulletin will be used to
determine that the remedy has been executed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and to evaluate the status of this Field Change Program.

DISCLAIMER:
The procedures contained herein are not exclusive. Van Hool cannot possibly know, evaluate, or
advise the transportation industry of all conceivable ways in which a procedure may be undertaken
or of the possible consequences of each such procedure. Other procedures may be as good, or
better, depending upon the particular circumstances involved. Each carrier who uses the
procedures herein must first satisfy himself thoroughly that neither the safety of his employees or
agents, nor the safety or usefulness of any products, will be jeopardized by any procedure
selected.

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INFORMATION HANDLING:
Important supplements to and modifications of technical information not yet included
in the manual, are communicated by means of Service Bulletins.

VAN HOOL CUSTOMER PORTAL:
Consult the customer portal regularly for the latest service documentation. In addition to the
maintenance manual, you will also find the operating manual and the spare parts catalogue of your
vehicle on the customer portal. The customer portal is accessible through www.vanhool.be, and
only with a code (password) from Van Hool. If you do not have a password yet, request it by using
the link on the Van Hool website.

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