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gschwob · 08-30-2018, 10:30 PM

Hi guys, i’m hoping i’m not the only guy out there that’s had this problem. We have a 2017 Winnebago Vista 29 VE, Ford F53 chassis with about 7,000 miles.

Recently we started noticing what sounds like a clunk or popping sound, coming from the right front, mostly when the vehicle sways. When I first noticed the sound I was careful to analyze the conditions under which the noise occurred. The popping sound occurs most frequently when:

1. Making a right turn where the cab tends to lurch to the left.
2. A second popping sound frequently follows when the coach levels itself.
3. Sometimes i’ll hear it when we’re on a rough road.
4. The sound seems to emanate from under the floor, above or in the vicinity of the right front tire.
5. The only time I’ve heard it when making a left turn is when turning into a driveway or apron where enough sway (back and forth) oscillation is induced.

When the popping occurs I don’t feel it in the steering at all.

I’ve read all kinds of explanations from sway bar bushings to broken cab mount supports. Has anyone else experienced this? I’ve spoken to Winnebago, an exercise which for the most part was useless. I’m not sure whether irs a Ford problem or Winnebago problem. Any thoughts you guys might have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

marjoa · 08-31-2018, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gschwob

I’ve read all kinds of explanations from sway bar bushings to broken cab mount supports.

Ok, so you've read all these different possibilities, have you checked any of them? Help us here.

The Ford chassis sway bar bushing bolts have a long standing history of coming loose. Did you check them or just read about it? If loose, back bolts out, add a couple of drops of Blue Loctite and torque to 66 ft. lbs. There's 4 of them.

More than likely it's either that or this bolt (see attached) has come loose or is not torqued to spec which is also 66 ft. lbs.

These 2 things are the most common causes of that popping noise when you turn.

Check these 2 things first then report back.

gray5952 · 08-31-2018, 06:38 AM

I had a clunking noise in mine. Turned out to be some loose items rolling around in the storage compartment.

SuperGewl · 09-03-2018, 08:06 PM

It's time to get out and crawl under the MH. Look at the sway bar ends and where it attaches to the frame. Pay close attention to the bolts and make sure they are actually tight, holding the brackets flush. While you are under there check the rear end also, mine broke and I had to replace it.

Americanrascal · 09-11-2018, 05:34 AM

I agree with Marjoa and SuperGewl. I had the infamous "clunk" under the same circumstances you describe. Got underneath and found loose bolts on the front sway bar. Applied 66 ft lbs to the bolts , then added Blue Lock-tight. Its been about 20,000 miles and over a year with no more noise or problems.