what is the "clunking" sound over bumps?

[pine tree]

We have a 2001 Winnebago Journey 36GD with with 40,000 miles on the speedo. Bought the rig used and have put the last 3,000 miles on it. Noticed "clunking" sound in the suspension on the test drive and thought it was the rear shocks. Dealer replaced the rear shocks, changed all the fluids, new tires, new batteries and a grease job. No clunk when we drove off the lot.

After about 500 miles the clunk slowly came back. After another 1000 miles I crawled under and greased all 29 points again. Again the clunk went away. 500 mile later, it's back.

The rig runs and drives great. Everything works perfect inside and out. Still we have this clunk from under the coach going over small bumps in the pavement. Most noticable at 10 to 30 MPH. Sounds like a loose shock mount, but all four are tight. At highway speeds 60mph I don't notice it as much.

I have noticed this same noise when riding on city buses. I know it's not our junk rattling around down in the basement because I have it all well stored and padded.

Something in the suspension, steering gear or whatever is making this noise. The noise is not real loud and I can't feel it in the seat or in the steering wheel. I have tried to determine if the noise is coming from the front or back and all I can say for sure is, it's from down below and maybe in the front. Not sure about the in front part.

Can anybody tell me what the "clunk" is and how to get rid of it? I hope it's not something we have to live with. With a rig this old I do expect to have a few fixes. So far however, except for this rather anoying little noise, everthing is perfect and we love the coach. Please help me if you can.

Pine Tree

[tx2stroke]

You might try greasing 1 joint at a time,followed by a short test drive till the noise goes away again.that might help you narrow your search.Noises can sometimes be elusive,but if lube makes it go away,you can use that as a diagnostic aid.I'm not shure what chassis you have.Good luck.

[pine tree]

Thanks for the reply. Very good idea. Your right, noises are illusive. We have the freightliner chassis model XC.
Pine Tree

[cbeierl]

I seem to recall another posting a while ago (possibly on a different board) about someone with a similar clunking sound that turned out to be something in the upper shock mount that wasn't tightened up to spec. Once things were re-torqued the clunk went away. Might be worth checking in any case.

[MaverickBBD]

Could it be a rusty and or flat "s" cam on the breaks that is slipping? Try calling 1.800.FTL.HELP and see if they can lead you in the right direction

[Pusherman]

Try to determine if the 'clunking' noise only occurs upon braking. If so, you need an S-Cam roller service for your front (and possibly rear) brakes. The S-cam roller actuates your brake shoes. It's notorious for getting corroded on our MH's which don't see a lot of miles. Any good shop should be able to service them.

Service includes pulling wheels, removing the s-cams, cleaning and lubricating them on the roller ends (looks like a rolling pin).

[Pig Trip]

I had a similar issue on an 08 Journey after about one year. Turned out to be bands around the front leaf springs. Freightliner dealer said they loosened up (poor design). Dealer installed new clamps around them (at my expense). That fixed the problem. I wasn't satisfied with Freightliner not covering the repair under warranty.

[pine tree]

Pi Trip,
I guess I don't understand. Bands on leaf springs??? Winnebago Journeys don't have leaf springs. They have air bag suspension as do all FL D pusher chassis. Thanks for the suggestion anyway.
Pine Tree

[Clonetrooper]

I have the same chassis as you Pine Tree and have a noise thump during hard braking (not brakes) but not on bumps as far as I can tell cause my junk ain't always well stored. got to looking down below and my bushings that keep the solid axle from moving fore and aft look original and probably need replacing but don't look worn out. If your noise went away after greasing then it has to be a suspension or steering bushing. Bushing is worn and grease has taken out the play. My 38' Discovery has 60000 miles on it but they seem to be easy miles. I would expect to change suspension bushings to get rid of your thump. Might take a look at your airbags while there, mine have some very minor cracking and I imagine would be easier to change bags while changing front end bushings. I worry about blowing a bag while on the road. I could be wrong on this diagnosis but maybe some help. Post results please. Good luck
Kelly

[Pig Trip]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pine tree Pi Trip, I guess I don't understand. Bands on leaf springs??? Winnebago Journeys don't have leaf springs. They have air bag suspension as do all FL D pusher chassis. Thanks for the suggestion anyway. Pine Tree

I've attached a picture. You'll see the clamps the FL dealer installed that replaced the bands that loosed around the front leaf springs. This fixed the clunking sound immediately.

[pine tree]

Pig Trip,
Thank you for the picture. Now I understand. [Picture is worth a thousand words] I am familar with these bands. Mine seem to be tight. Never the less in the morning I'm going to put a couple hose clamps on those babys and go for a test run. Wish me luck. I'll let you know results. Just thought of something--There are NO bands on my spring wrap arounds at all. Can hardly wait for morning to put some on.
Thanks Again,
Pine Tree

[pine tree]

Pig Trip,
Sorry to say "The clamps made no change." I made date with a FL frame and chassis expert [I hope he is an expert] to check things out.
Pine Tree

[traveler of california]

Please post the "expert" diagnosis.

Nick

[pine tree]

Nick & Pig Trip,

Bottom line, I still have the clunk. On the other hand I had a wonderful experience with the "Frame Expert" You know the big sign at every repair facility. [NO CUSTOMERS BEYOUD THIS POINT] Well, this was the complete opposite. I was welcomed under the elevated coach and for four hours [Yes, 4 hours] given a complete run down on all the feathures of the XC F/L chassis. What to look for and how to maitain it. For example, how to measure the oil in the front wheel hubs. I'll bet most F/L owners don't know they have oil bath front wheel bearings. Much less, how to maintain them. This guy was just great. I'm a clean fingernail motor-head, so all this information was very exciting to receive. He just went on and on. At the end of this great education I got a bill of $113.00. WOW. He banged and turned every thing on the bottom of my coach. Could not find the "Clunk" However he drove the coach before and after his try at the "clunk" and basicly said "Everything was in great shape and the coach drove just fine". Please IRV2 can I tell the folks how to contact this great guy?
Pine Tree