A New Noise And Source

[chuckbear]

I took our new to us 1999 Bounder 34 out for a drive a few days ago. A new noise developed in a fairly short order. Almost, but not every time, I stop and then press down on the accelerator there is a "clunk" sound that appears to be coming from under the coach and sounds like it is very near the drivers seat. It only happens when either at a complete stop or at almost a complete stop and the transmission is in the lowest gear. It happens more than it doesn't, but sometimes it does not. I don't hear the noise at any other time. This just started, it was not there when we purchased the coach a week ago and drove it home. Anyone have a thought as to what I might look for or anyone had this same issue? Thanks. Chuck

[chuckbear]

An update. The coach has been at the local Ford Dealer, can't find anyone else locally to work on the chassis, and they called this afternoon with the news. Apparently the problem was bolts, locations unknown, in or on the driveshaft that were not torqued properly. We won't pick it up until tomorrow to see if that has indeed fixed the problem. But I'm optimistic. Chuck

[tropical36]

Jim@HiTek wrote:
Ahh, you're right, I did slip into hyperbole there.

I like that word...:B
No harm done and just a couple of gear heads mauling things over here...:D

[Jim]

Ahh, you're right, I did slip into hyperbole there.

[tropical36]

Jim@HiTek wrote:
I should have said, "...since MANY diesel models don't...".

Now, whether a safety system component known to repeatedly fail, sometimes at high vehicle speed, bringing a 22K and heavier vehicle to a screeching halt in traffic, creating a dangerous situation for both drivers, passengers, and oncoming traffic can be considered 'poor design' is of course an opinion. And when many consider replacing a $30 safety system component every 15,000 miles as being necessary, I wouldn't call that 'good design' My opinion only.

I really and truly wish this parking brake was capable of bringing the rig to a screeching halt and doubt seriously if you've personally ever experienced this. That would even qualify it as an emergency brake and I truly wish, like said. Having said that, a DP will do the same thing with an air pressure failure and resort to it's fail safe default of ....BRAKE ON!
As for this one troublesome part, I'd rather change out one of these than do an oil change. Quicker and a whole lot cheaper, as well.
Overall it's not a bad design and much improved with the last version. Just ask our resident AP guru....oldusedbear...and one who knows more about it than it's design engineers.

[Jim]

I should have said, "...since MANY diesel models don't...".

Now, whether a safety system component known to repeatedly fail, sometimes at high vehicle speed, bringing a 22K and heavier vehicle to a screeching halt in traffic, creating a dangerous situation for both drivers, passengers, and oncoming traffic can be considered 'poor design' is of course an opinion. And when many consider replacing a $30 safety system component every 15,000 miles as being necessary, I wouldn't call that 'good design' My opinion only.

[tropical36]

Jim@HiTek wrote:
Still wondering if the Bounder is gas or diesel. Makes a huge difference since most diesel models don't use the poorly designed Chevy type parking brake.

Depends what you call Chevy type and DP's certainty do use a default automatic parking brake. Difference being that they use air for releasing it, rather than a hydraulic pump. Chevy and WH have a high failure rate with one of it's pressure switches in the version III model and why you might be labeling it as a poor design.
Then again, I have no idea of your knowledge about the system itself, it's elect./mech. design properties, it's development history or why it was implemented in the first place.
While we're here, auto park chassis owners should know that there is a better pressure sw. to replace the infamous GM RGS out there now and I believe being marketed by Brazel's.
Still with a little knowledge of the system and given the Amazon price on the green or brown replacements, it's not a big deal and many change it out, every 15K miles or so, to prevent failure at an inopportune time. I does help with knowing what you're doing, along with having some education on the system, however.

[topflite51]

Bruce Brown wrote:
Check for a loose shock. I had a pickup once that did the exact thing you're describing - it was a loose shock.

X2 on that.

Also check the sway bar for any bad or missing bushings.

[Bruce_Brown]

Check for a loose shock. I had a pickup once that did the exact thing you're describing - it was a loose shock.

[chuckbear]

I don't know if he checked for fluid, but I will do that today. Thanks. Chuck

[koda55]

If the mechanic thinks it is the parking brake did he check the fluid level? I had a 2005 gasser with the ford v10 there was a plug that I had to remove to check the fluid. Just stick your finger in the hole and see if you get any fluid on it.

[rgatijnet1]

The OP says that he has the F53 Ford chassis. They also have a drive shaft parking brake.

[Jim]

Check out my signature and you'll see I drive a '94 Fleetwood Bounder, Diesel. So they did, and do, make Bounders with a diesel engine.

Hopefully your mechanic found something loose and tightened it. Maybe not. Sad but true, many, many mechanics struggle with understanding the parking brake on older gas rigs and on the Workhorse chassis so you should arm yourself with some info. I'm not sure you have the Workhorse chassis though. That's the chassis with the infamously unreliable park brake system.

We longtimers here on RV.net have gotten help from a member with the handle, OldUsedBear. Here's Oldusedbears web site that discusses the P-B system. There's contact info. He's well known here on RV.net and over at iRV2.

Web site: Autopark Info

Hope you get your problem fixed up quickly...

[chuckbear]

Being in Florida, you would think there would be lots of service places for RV's, but not in my area. My shop is very good at servicing engines and generators, I wouldn't let anyone else do it, but does not do other service and can't lift our coach. So it will have to go to one of the Ford dealers nearby to have this serviced. There is only one dealer that can lift it and they are 30 miles away. Chuck

[chuckbear]

Jim, It's gas. I guess I just assumed a bounder of that age would be gas. Didn't know they did diesel. But I'm still learning. This is a Triton V10 on a Ford chassis. Chuck