Just got some bad news. I took our motorhome in because the tires are wearing on the edges. The tire pressure is correct and the front end is OK. It turns out the all the rear axle bushings are wore out causing the vehicle to dog walk. So now they have to order the parts and it will take two days labor to replace. They told me the bushing killer is, not using the vehicle. They dry rotted from sitting. We have a trip setup for next week to attend the Dream Cruise so I'm hoping they will have it completed in time. Just wanted to let people know what can cause the tires to ware on the edges. All well, it could be worse. Have it break down on the road.Happy Camping, bye Dennis:(

Never heard of bad bushings in the rear suspension causing front tire wear. I guess you learn something new everyday. I would have guessed it was a toe-in/toe-out problem.

Yes thats what I thought the problem was with the alginement. The rear axle had moved back 3 inchs on the left side causing it to dog walk and pushing the front of the vehicle to the left. It didn't drive goofy or any handling issues. Now than you could hear clunk when you hit a pot hole. Other than the tire wear everything acted and looked fine. I'm just happy that they found it. It's going to cost $5000.00 to fix it, but it should drive like it was new.Happy Camping, bye Dennis

Can't imagine how a bushing could cause the rear axle to shift 3"...Then $5,000 to fix it???...I would for sure get a second opinion...This smells a little like snake oil to me.B.O.

I thought most bushings on modern vehicles were made of brass or some other metal. How can metal dry rot? Maybe lube dried out for metal to metal contact and excessive wear?

The only bushings that have anything to do with rear axel are the leaf spring eye bushings, which are brass. They can not cause an axel to move 3". You would really notice an axel that was out 3" on one side. Not sure you could even drive it. That would cause alot of problems with the drive shaft, maybe even coming out! You sure that is what they told you? Sounds like some other problem.

Bushings | Good Sam Community

IBcarguy
Explorer
Aug 03, 2016
Never heard of bad bushings in the rear suspension causing front tire wear. I guess you learn something new everyday. I would have guessed it was a toe-in/toe-out problem.
Teebucket1313
Explorer
Aug 03, 2016
Yes thats what I thought the problem was with the alginement. The rear axle had moved back 3 inchs on the left side causing it to dog walk and pushing the front of the vehicle to the left. It didn't drive goofy or any handling issues. Now than you could hear clunk when you hit a pot hole. Other than the tire wear everything acted and looked fine. I'm just happy that they found it. It's going to cost $5000.00 to fix it, but it should drive like it was new.

Happy Camping, bye Dennis
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2016
Can't imagine how a bushing could cause the rear axle to shift 3"...Then $5,000 to fix it???...I would for sure get a second opinion...This smells a little like snake oil to me.

B.O.
23mikey
Explorer
Aug 04, 2016
I thought most bushings on modern vehicles were made of brass or some other metal. How can metal dry rot? Maybe lube dried out for metal to metal contact and excessive wear?
leeper
Explorer
Aug 04, 2016
The only bushings that have anything to do with rear axel are the leaf spring eye bushings, which are brass. They can not cause an axel to move 3". You would really notice an axel that was out 3" on one side. Not sure you could even drive it. That would cause alot of problems with the drive shaft, maybe even coming out! You sure that is what they told you? Sounds like some other problem.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Aug 04, 2016
Unless someone has the exact same unit, we can only guess about the bushings. I would like to see a photo, 3" doesn't seem possible, but I can't see it from here.
RLS7201
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2016
leeper wrote:
The only bushings that have anything to do with rear axel are the leaf spring eye bushings, which are brass. They can not cause an axel to move 3". You would really notice an axel that was out 3" on one side. Not sure you could even drive it. That would cause alot of problems with the drive shaft, maybe even coming out! You sure that is what they told you? Sounds like some other problem.

Look again. All RV OEM spring bushings are other than metal, to stop the transmission of road noise.
I suspect the OPs coach is air ride with trailing arms, that have large bushings, that could possibly allow the type of misalignment mentioned.

Richard
leeper
Explorer
Aug 04, 2016
leeper wrote:
The only bushings that have anything to do with rear axel are the leaf spring eye bushings, which are brass. They can not cause an axel to move 3". You would really notice an axel that was out 3" on one side. Not sure you could even drive it. That would cause alot of problems with the drive shaft, maybe even coming out! You sure that is what they told you? Sounds like some other problem.

I now see he is talking about a class A motorhome. Sorry, I was thinking Class C. I do not know any thing about Class A suspension.
Teebucket1313
Explorer
Aug 05, 2016
Yes, its a 2006 Sportcoach Encore 40TS. It has air ride,the control arms have the rubber bushings. The cost is labor, they have to remover the rear axle to have access to replace the bushings.

I have the coach maintained at River States Truck and Trailer in Lacrosse Wi. They are a Freightliner dealer. Been taking the coach there for years, always had good service. Thanks for the input. Will let you know the out come.

Happy Camping, bye Dennis
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 05, 2016
Ok well maybe it's the correct diagnosis, but 10 years old, used or parked has little bearing on butyl rubber, neoprene, whatever synthetic material it's made out of. Especially sitting protected out of the elements as they are.
40 ish hours of labor and plenty of $ for some new 4 link bushings still seems really excessive. As does 3" axle displacement. You could see that from across a parking lot with bad eyesight! Was the rear axle really racked that bad?

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