Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
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    • #3730
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Hello everyone!

      About two years ago, I had my coach aligned due to excessive outer tire edge wear. The team at Prevost in Dallas kindly relieved me of a substantial amount of money. After a couple of costly tires, I was back on the road. Since then, I’ve put 35,000 miles on it, and the new tire has worn down to the cords on the edge. Prevost Dallas took another look and suggested that bushings could fail that quickly. I’m inclined to think they missed something the first time, which now leaves me with a ruined tire and another alignment bill.

      Anyway, I’ve had terrible luck with them…

      So, does anyone know how to replace the bushings? It seems straightforward enough, and since I have experience with automotive and general fabrication work, I’m planning to tackle this myself.

      I’m wondering how to stabilize the spindle (upright) when I detach the upper control arm. I’m used to working on cars where the spindle weighs about 15 lbs. The upper control arm bolts look manageable, so this seems like a relatively simple job.

      Prevost quoted me $1,800 to replace these on one side, which seems excessive for just two rubber bushings.

      Can anyone shed some light on this task?

      Thanks!

      #3732
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Bob,

      I’ve never worked on an IFS or replaced bushings myself, so take this advice with a grain of salt.

      Some members have replaced just the bushings, while others have opted to replace the entire A arm. From what I’ve read and my basic understanding of the front suspension assembly, it seems like a job that someone with mechanical skills and tools could handle, either way.

      I’m sharing this because I’ve received two different opinions from professionals who manage fleets. One professional has been getting around 400,000 miles or more per set of bushings. He replaces only the bushings and then has the front end re-aligned. I recall him saying that his total cost is less than half of what you were quoted.

      Another professional, who oversees a fleet of 20 coaches, replaces the entire A arm with bushings. I didn’t ask him about re-alignment, so I’m not sure if he re-aligns the coach or just reassembles it. He leases his tires, which might influence his approach compared to someone who buys their tires.

      If you’d like, send me a PM or email, and I can provide you with the names and contact information for these experts so you can get solid advice from professionals.

      #3733
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Thanks, John. My concern is that when I remove the upper A arm from the spindle, the spindle might be too heavy and fall over, making it difficult to get it back into place! I’m used to working with stock car control arms, which are light and relatively inexpensive. This control arm, however, is massive!

      I’ve looked at this job and it seems straightforward. It feels like service shops see a bus and think “big bucks,” and they might try to charge me more than necessary. The prices I’ve been quoted for most service on this bus seem pretty outrageous…

      #3734
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Bob,

      This is one of those “glass half empty or half full” scenarios. When I had both upper and lower A arms replaced on my former XL bus at Prevost in New Jersey, they told me it was more cost-effective to replace the entire arm rather than just the bushings. This was about four years ago, and if I remember correctly, they used a jack stand to support the spindle while replacing the upper arm. It was a straightforward operation.

      #3735
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      I think Denny provided the answer. As I transition into old age, I’m finding that tasks I used to tackle with sheer strength are now done with levers, jacks, supports, come-alongs, and other tools.

      Despite dealing with some pretty hefty items like the 50DN alternator, 8D batteries, brake drums, hubs, and fan clutches, I’ve managed to find ways to avoid relying solely on brute force. From my experience handling 3,000-pound concrete products in a previous life, I’ve learned to stop and think before getting myself into a difficult situation. I believe this approach is just as relevant for working on our buses.

      #3736
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Bob,

      The late model Wanderlodges used an IFS by ArvinMeritor. Here’s a document that explains how to do it on the BB suspension. It may help:

      http://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com/downloads/ArvinMeritorRIS16EFSuspension.pdf

      #3737
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      From my experience handling and moving 3,000-pound concrete products (in another life), I’ve learned to stop and think before getting myself into a tough spot. This approach definitely applies to working on our buses.

      Jon, if you don’t take this approach, you could easily find yourself in a bind!

      #3738
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Bob,

      Replacing the upper control arm bushings isn’t a particularly tough job. I’ve done it on my XL. Kevin Erion might also chime in; he’s replaced the bushings on an XLII and helped me with some questions when I did mine.

      The bushings are relatively inexpensive for an XL—about $60 each. The XLII bushings are probably a bit more expensive and larger than those for the XL. The Prevost tech manual details the procedure and suggests using a press tool for the bushings, which can be improvised with a tube. For me, the toughest part was getting the snap ring that retains the bushing out of the control arm.

      Feel free to give me a call at 317-539-5472 if you’d like to discuss the spindle (Prevost calls it an axle) over the phone. It will be easier to go over the details that way.

      #3739
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      I seem to also remember the quote that said it was cheaper to replace the whole control arm rather than pull it and replace the bushings.

      #3740
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      From my experience handling and moving 3,000-pound concrete products (in another life), I’ve learned to stop and think before getting myself into a tough spot. This approach definitely applies to working on our buses.

      Jon, if you don’t take this approach, you could easily find yourself in a bind!

      You know what I’m talking about, Denny. That experience taught me that the weight or mass of something shouldn’t be a barrier, as long as I’m willing to think carefully about the consequences of my actions.

      For those who might not have the insight Denny does, let me assure you: I’m the last person who would let you down.

      #3741
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Thanks for all your help guys…

      #3742
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      The Prevost tech manual covers the procedure and calls for a press tool for the bushings that can be improvised with tube.

      I’d love to get my hands on a copy of that manual. Is it available thru Prevost parts?

      #3743
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      David,

      You can view Prevost manuals online through the maintenance section of the Prevost website. While I haven’t done this in a while, you should be able to access shop manuals for various models and model years there.

      I have a hard copy of the manual, which is why I don’t often use the online version. Plus, I don’t have computer access when I’m in my coach. However, anyone with internet access can view the same manuals online.

      #3744
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      David,

      Yes, Prevost parts will have the maintenance manuals. I recently purchased a new one since the original that came with my bus was missing some information. I prefer having a paper manual for servicing and repairs.

      The last time I used the Prevost site for maintenance data, I couldn’t access any information beyond a 2000XL. I’m not sure where the information for older buses went, but I wasn’t able to find it.

      #3745
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Bob,

      I replaced the upper A-arm bushings on our 98 XL last fall. It’s not a big deal, but having an extra set of hands helps since the arms are heavy and awkward. Pressing in the new bushings requires minimal force but can be tricky. Getting the spindles back into the axle assembly takes a bit of jack work, but it’s manageable. I also replaced the ball joint on one side. Prevost often replaces the whole A-arm if a ball joint replacement is needed, due to labor time. It’s a bit of a hassle, but definitely doable if you’re willing to put in the effort. Good luck!

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