Sep-14-2015 08:09 AM
Sep-17-2015 07:16 AM
Sep-17-2015 05:50 AM
Sep-17-2015 05:32 AM
Sep-17-2015 05:11 AM
10forty2 wrote:If you want to save money, you can have the springs re-arched. They bend them back to specs using a hydraulic press and heat set them. I'm assuming the springs aren't cracked or broken.
Of note, the truck shop said it was nothing to be alarmed about, but after 16 years and 81K+ miles the OEM springs had had all they wanted and were starting to show the wear and tear.
Sep-16-2015 10:01 PM
Sep-16-2015 12:46 PM
holstein13 wrote:10forty2 wrote:Thanks for the update. Your comment about the leaf springs has me alarmed. How much does this coach weigh? Perhaps you need to get it weighed as soon as possible. Under normal loading conditions, I wouldn't think your springs would ever go bad.
Update**
Really nice folks at the truck shop....Beck's Frame and Alignment. Got me right in on time and started evaluating the front end. After checking everything, they came and got me to show me the excessive play in the king pins....they will have to be replaced before an alignment can be done. Also, the front leaf springs are sprung, so they need replacing as well to get the coach sitting level side to side. I'm waiting on a call back for an estimate of the repairs....doesn't sound cheap, but at least they gave me peace of mind that there were no safety considerations at this point, so I can still take my trip in a couple of weeks. The coach drives ok, but you have to drive it... you can't just sit back and "one-finger" it. Kinda tires you out after a few hundred miles. I guess I have a winter project in store...maybe Santa can drop off the money to have it all done... LOL!
But if you have to replace the springs anyway, I'd seriously consider a Kelderman Air Bag system. They come with air bags and new front springs. It will make your ride smoother (but won't help sway).
Sep-16-2015 12:35 PM
10forty2 wrote:Thanks for the update. Your comment about the leaf springs has me alarmed. How much does this coach weigh? Perhaps you need to get it weighed as soon as possible. Under normal loading conditions, I wouldn't think your springs would ever go bad.
Update**
Really nice folks at the truck shop....Beck's Frame and Alignment. Got me right in on time and started evaluating the front end. After checking everything, they came and got me to show me the excessive play in the king pins....they will have to be replaced before an alignment can be done. Also, the front leaf springs are sprung, so they need replacing as well to get the coach sitting level side to side. I'm waiting on a call back for an estimate of the repairs....doesn't sound cheap, but at least they gave me peace of mind that there were no safety considerations at this point, so I can still take my trip in a couple of weeks. The coach drives ok, but you have to drive it... you can't just sit back and "one-finger" it. Kinda tires you out after a few hundred miles. I guess I have a winter project in store...maybe Santa can drop off the money to have it all done... LOL!
Sep-16-2015 12:05 PM
Sep-15-2015 06:57 PM
427435 wrote:
Also be sure to leave the shop with a printout that says the front caster is at 4-1/2 degrees or a little more. They may try and talk you out of that, but be insistent.
Sep-15-2015 05:29 PM
Sep-15-2015 05:24 PM
Sep-15-2015 11:26 AM
Sep-15-2015 07:25 AM
Sep-15-2015 06:57 AM