SERVICE BULLETIN
SB2468
ADDRESSEES

: Owners and operators
ABC Customer Care and parts Source

VEHICLE MODEL

: Coaches with Van Hool independent wheel suspension and
disc brakes on all axles

MANUAL CHAPTER

: 12.06 Axles – front axle
12.14 Axles – trailing axle

BULLETIN TYPE

: Product improvement

DATE

: January 23rd, 2025

SUBJECT

: Introduction of “longer” articulation assembly shaft for
wheel-suspension arm joints

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

: This product improvement does not entitle to any
reimbursement.

DESCRIPTION
Van Hool recently changed-over in production to a “longer” articulation shaft (VH11717611) to
fasten the wheel-suspension arms to the steering knuckle carrier/hub carrier. Field experience has
shown that this change-over has a positive impact on the lifespan of the rubber bushings. The
“longer” articulation shaft may be used with the M18 as well as with the M20 fastening system
(refer to figures 2 and 3).

Figure 1: Articulation joint, steering knuckle
carrier/hub carrier side
A: M18 fastening system
B: M20 fastening system
1. Suspension arm
2. Articulation assembly bolt (with selflocking nut)
3. Articulation assembly shaft
4. Steering knuckle carrier
5. Rubber bushing
6. Special spring washer
7. Special washer

Continued on next page.
SB2468_USA_en_2025-01-23

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COMPARISON BETWEEN M18 AND M20 FASTENING SYSTEMS
M18 fastening system

M20 fastening system
Figure 2

Figure 3

Properties of screw 10647991:

Properties of screw 11412448:

 width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
 screw shaft thickness: 18 mm (0.71 inch)
 screw shaft length: 210 mm (8.27 inch)
 thread type: M18x1,5 mm

 width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
 screw shaft thickness: 20 mm (0.79 inch)
 screw shaft length: 205 mm (8.07 inch)
 thread type: M20x1,5 mm
NOTE: Notwithstanding the thicker screw shaft, the
width across flats of the M20 screw has remained
27 mm!

Properties of nut 660207287:

Properties of nut 11424238:

 width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
 height: 18 mm (0.71 inch)
 self-locking (by mechanical deformation of nut)

 width across flats: 27 mm (1.06 inch)
 height: 20 mm (0.79 inch)
 self-locking (by notches at end of thread)

Tightening torque:

Tightening torque:

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
660207287 and two special spring lock washers
660632502)

11499934 (contains screw 11412448, nut 11424238
and washer 11456106)

Reusing:

Reusing:

Screws, nuts and washers should never be reused. Screws, nuts and washers should never be reused.
Interchangeability: The M18 and M20 fastening systems are interchangeable. However, with the M20
bolt, note that there is a washer only on the side of the nut.
(1)

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

Continued on next page.
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VISUAL IDENTIFICATION OF LONGER ARTICULATION ASSEMBLY SHAFT- Figure 4
For visual identification purposes, the longer shaft has L=126.5 engraved.

Figure 4: Location of identification
mark

AFTER SALES




Only the “longer” articulation shaft will be offered as service replacement.
It is strongly recommended to replace all the four articulation joints of the same axle at the
same time when switching-over to the “longer” articulation shaft.
This service bulletin is not applicable to vehicles with drum brakes on all axles, and on vehicles
with a combination of D3-disc brakes on front /tag axle and drum brakes. The articulation
assembly shaft on these vehicles is different.

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.

DISCLAIMER
The procedures contained herein are not exclusive. VDL 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 itself thoroughly that neither the safety of its employees or
agents, nor the safety or usefulness of any products, will be jeopardized by any procedure
selected.

INFORMATION HANDLING
Important supplements to and modifications of technical information not yet included
in the manual, are communicated by means of service Bulletins.
VDL 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.vdlvanhool.com/My VDL Van Hool, and only with a code (password) from VDL Van Hool. If
you do not have a password yet, request it by using the link on the VDL Van Hool website.

SB2468_USA_en_2025-01-23

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