SERVICE BULLETIN
SB1348
ADDRESSEES

: ABC Customer Care and Parts Source
Owners and operators of coaches with Van Hool independent
wheel suspension

VEHICLE MODEL

: Coaches with Van Hool independent wheel suspension

MANUAL CHAPTER

: 12.06 Axles – front axle
12.10 Axles – trailing axle

BULLETIN TYPE

: Product improvement

DATE

: April 20th, 2016

SUBJECT

: Introduction of M20 fixing bolts for wheelsuspension arm joints

TERMS & CONDITIONS

: This product improvement does not entitle to any

reimbursement.
APPLICATION:
This product improvement applies to coaches with a Van Hool independent wheel suspension.

DESCRIPTION:
Van Hool is recently using a M20 assembly bolt for securing the suspension arms to the steering
knuckle carrier/hub carrier. The M20 assembly bolt allows for an increased tightening torque,
resulting in a tighter tensioning of the joint, which in turn has a beneficial effect on the life of the
rubber bushings.

Old

New

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

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COMPARISON OF FASTENING SYSTEMS:
Old fastening system

New fastening system

Properties of screw 10647991:
Properties of screw 11412448:
• width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
• width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
• shaft thickness: 18 mm (0.71 inch)
• shaft thickness: 20 mm (0.79 inch)
• shaft length: 210 mm (8.27 inch)
• shaft length: 205 mm (8.07 inch)
• thread type: M18 x 1.5 mm
• thread type: M20 x 1.5 mm
Properties of nut 660207287:
Properties of nut 11424238:
• width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
• width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
• height: 18 mm (0.71 inch)
• height: 20 mm (0.79 inch)
• self-locking (by mechanical deformation of nut) • self-locking (by notches at end of thread)
Tightening torque of nut:
Tightening torque of nut:
300 + 50 Nm (220 + 35 ft.lbf)
500 + 50 Nm (370 + 35 ft.lbf)(1)
Van Hool ordering number of joint bolt kit:
Van Hool ordering number of joint bolt kit:
11431005 (contains screw 10647991, nut
11499934 (contains screw 11412448, nut
660207287 and two special spring lock
11424238 and washer 11456106)
washers 660632502)
Reusing:
Re-using:
The nut must never be reused once it has been
The nut must never be reused once it has
been removed from the bolt; discard it together removed from the bolt; discard it together with
the bolt and the washer.
with the bolt and the two special spring lock
washers.
Interchangeability: The old and new versions are fully interchangeable. When mounting the
new version, bear in mind the increased tightening torque as well as the fact that there is only
one washer at the side of the nut. Although the thicker screw shaft, the width across flats of the
new screw is still 27 mm.
(1)

Place the socket of the torque wrench by preference on the screw head instead of on the nut.

AFTER SALES:
•
•

Only the new joint bolt kit will be offered as service replacement.
Rubber bushings will come together with the new joint bolt as kit # 11499707 (contains two
rubber bushings 624317270, screw 11412448, nut 11424238 and washer 11456106).

HELP DESK:
If there are any questions regarding this subject, please call ABC Customer Care & Parts Source
toll-free for guidance on 1-877-427-7278.
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SB1348_USA_en_2016-04-20

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. Beside 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.

SB1348_USA_en_2016-04-20

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