Leaf spring noise on 2003 F53. Anyone been through this?

[jbraun29]

I purchased my first Class A over the winter, a 2003 Hurricane 30Q. It's been a positive experience overall. At times it seems that I just bought another project, but I was ready for that.

The most recent issue is the appearance of a rather disconcerting clunk in the left front. When I initially heard it, I stopped to crawl under it for an inspection. I was concerned because it really sounded like a bushing was failing, and I was worried about steering or suspension failure. I was pleased that everything felt tight, and was content to finish the trip and address it when I got home. The noise continued throughout the rest of the trip, no better, no worse.

I took it to a local shop the following week. They did an inspection, and told me that the noise was coming from the steering linkage. I was skeptical, because I could not feel it through the wheel as severely as I would have expected, but they are the professionals, and the repair was inexpensive enough, so I authorized it.

They called afterward and admitted that they were wrong, and the noise is still there. After they had it another week, they finally called to say that the noise is coming from the leaf springs. They indicated that they are just worn out, and that they are slapping each other over the bumps. They went on to say that it would cost $3000 per side to replace them. The shop owner told me that there has to be a cheaper way, but he is unable to cross reference the springs, so he recommended that I try to locate them on my own.

So, the question: Has anyone experienced this? What did you do? Is the leaf spring slapping issue common, and where do you get springs? A search of the forum came up empty.

I'm not opposed to replacing the springs, and I will probably do it myself since I'm quite mechanically inclined. I just want to put it out there to see if anyone has any expertise, or possibly a source for the springs. Thanks!

[frankdamp]

Ours only has 15,000 miles on it, 3000 of which we've put on. There's been a "clonk" from the left front suspension all the time we've owned the rig. The original owner, from whom we bought it, said it had been there from new, nobody could find what causes it, so just ignore it.

As an engineer, it bugs me a little, but I decided to follow the advice.

[hipower]

rgatijnet1 wrote:

jbraun29 wrote:
Thank you for all the responses.
Wolfe10, History on the MH, 28,000 miles when I bought it, noise developed at 30,000. It has about 31,000 now. I'm not sure what kind of beating it took from the first owner, but he was a full-timer during the winter months. He drove it annually from Massachusetts to south Florida, so I would imagine it's had life pretty good.
V10guy, I'm with you. I was told that the weight of the coach just wears out the springs over time. This is not a phenomenon I am familiar with. My experience is that when springs wear out, they become extremely rigid, then break.
The shop clearly has no profit motive for recommending leaf springs, since they recommended I source them myself. When I arrived to pick up the motorhome they sheepishly handed me a no-charge invoice and apologized for not fixing it. They threw in the steering link, which was clearly worn, for my trouble.
That kind of service makes me want to stick with them, but I think this is a little over their heads.
As far as the popping and sway bar issues, that's a different animal. The noise I'm experiencing is most apparent when hitting small bumps, or dips in the road. It makes the noise going straight at 65mph, or in a parking lot. It's very consistent.
Since no one here seems to have had leaf spring issues, I'm going to start looking another direction. I'll try some of your suggestions, thanks.

I would disagree that the shop has no profit motive and also with the fact that he could not cross reference to find the springs. As the link that I posted on page one showed, it took a few minutes to find the springs and they sell for $420, RETAIL. I would guess that he should be able to buy parts cheaper. Be that as it may, if you think his quote of $6000 to change two springs is not a profit motive, then go for it. If he has the equipment, which I assume that he does if he services trucks/RV's, this is a one day job.

From the OP's posts I would say the shop has treated him pretty well so far.

I tend to agree that they feel they are beyond their capabilities however and the price and advice to seek further cures elsewhere were their way of nicely saying we don't want to do this job.

[jbraun29]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
I would disagree that the shop has no profit motive and also with the fact that he could not cross reference to find the springs. As the link that I posted on page one showed, it took a few minutes to find the springs and they sell for $420, RETAIL. I would guess that he should be able to buy parts cheaper. Be that as it may, if you think his quote of $6000 to change two springs is not a profit motive, then go for it. If he has the equipment, which I assume that he does if he services trucks/RV's, this is a one day job.

Your input, although enlightening, does not help me fix my motorhome. But I don't suppose that was the point...

Thank you for the input on the bushings however. I will look into that.

[TexasH]

My 2001 F53 chassis had the same kind of noise. Turned out to be the frame crossmember under the engine had a loose bolt. Dealer torqued it down and the noise went away and has stayed gone.

[wolfe10]

Definitely do the Z bracket upgrade if that has not already been done.

If that doesn't fix it, find a good old-fashion truck spring shop and have them take a look at it.

[rgatijnet1]

jbraun29 wrote:
Thank you for all the responses.
Wolfe10, History on the MH, 28,000 miles when I bought it, noise developed at 30,000. It has about 31,000 now. I'm not sure what kind of beating it took from the first owner, but he was a full-timer during the winter months. He drove it annually from Massachusetts to south Florida, so I would imagine it's had life pretty good.
V10guy, I'm with you. I was told that the weight of the coach just wears out the springs over time. This is not a phenomenon I am familiar with. My experience is that when springs wear out, they become extremely rigid, then break.
The shop clearly has no profit motive for recommending leaf springs, since they recommended I source them myself. When I arrived to pick up the motorhome they sheepishly handed me a no-charge invoice and apologized for not fixing it. They threw in the steering link, which was clearly worn, for my trouble.
That kind of service makes me want to stick with them, but I think this is a little over their heads.
As far as the popping and sway bar issues, that's a different animal. The noise I'm experiencing is most apparent when hitting small bumps, or dips in the road. It makes the noise going straight at 65mph, or in a parking lot. It's very consistent.
Since no one here seems to have had leaf spring issues, I'm going to start looking another direction. I'll try some of your suggestions, thanks.

I would disagree that the shop has no profit motive and also with the fact that he could not cross reference to find the springs. As the link that I posted on page one showed, it took a few minutes to find the springs and they sell for $420, RETAIL. I would guess that he should be able to buy parts cheaper. Be that as it may, if you think his quote of $6000 to change two springs is not a profit motive, then go for it. If he has the equipment, which I assume that he does if he services trucks/RV's, this is a one day job.

[jbraun29]

Thank you for all the responses.
Wolfe10, History on the MH, 28,000 miles when I bought it, noise developed at 30,000. It has about 31,000 now. I'm not sure what kind of beating it took from the first owner, but he was a full-timer during the winter months. He drove it annually from Massachusetts to south Florida, so I would imagine it's had life pretty good.
V10guy, I'm with you. I was told that the weight of the coach just wears out the springs over time. This is not a phenomenon I am familiar with. My experience is that when springs wear out, they become extremely rigid, then break.
The shop clearly has no profit motive for recommending leaf springs, since they recommended I source them myself. When I arrived to pick up the motorhome they sheepishly handed me a no-charge invoice and apologized for not fixing it. They threw in the steering link, which was clearly worn, for my trouble.
That kind of service makes me want to stick with them, but I think this is a little over their heads.
As far as the popping and sway bar issues, that's a different animal. The noise I'm experiencing is most apparent when hitting small bumps, or dips in the road. It makes the noise going straight at 65mph, or in a parking lot. It's very consistent.
Since no one here seems to have had leaf spring issues, I'm going to start looking another direction. I'll try some of your suggestions, thanks.

[Fiesta]

Tighten all the bolts on the suspension brackets. Mine went away.

[John_Wayne]

Some have had problems with a brace under the floor breaking a weld, and when the body flexes it makes a noise. Look for rust off the frame under the floor which mite point to a broken weld.

[nelson]

Check this out, Might be what your problem
Z Bracket

[PastorCharlie]

I had a slapping noise on a previous motor home when it hit a fault in the pavement. It was the front leveling jack slapping the frame. A piece of 3/4 pipe insulation place between the two stop the noise.

A friend had a noise and his proved to be the mud flap hitting the frame as the wind blew against it.

I would think it normal for a shop to replace the most expensive items first, that is where the money is.

[roam1]

Maybe replace the front sway bar bushings, all 4

[V10guy]

OK, I can understand bushings being worn out ...and a cracked leaf or even loose u-bolts, but how does all of the leaf springs "wear out"....?? You'd think that would be over tons of miles.

Just my not so expert opinion, I'd go to another shop...

[rgatijnet1]

Here is a link for new springs but I suspect that your noise is from worn bushings. I would replace them with polyurethane bushings.
F53 leaf springs