Catastrophic Mechanical Breakdown !!

[Zane Wetzel]

Our 2009 Alpine Limited SE Coach experienced a "catastropic mechanical breakdown" 2 months ago. After many analyses by multiple vendors the cause has been determined to be the lock-up of the Chelsea Power Steering Pump that is attached to the Allison Transmission. This event destroyed the transmission, damaged the engine, took out the drive shaft, shattered the bell housing, and damaged the compressor and air bags.

I am seeking any information that would assist the authorized repair facility in terms of schematics, functional technical information, etc.

Thank you.
Zane Wetzel

[GENECOP]

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[GENECOP]

Google turned up some stuff that might be useful, G

[EngineerMike]

Zane- the <07 models had their hydraulic pump configured as shaft drive off the forward end of the engine air compressor. The >08 models used a Chelsea PTO off the PS of the Allison, Chelsea mid-case w/trans fluid lube line (1/4" i.d. braided hose) mounted ahead of the PTO, and a pump mounted ahead of the mid-case. Pump might be Chelsea also, or it might be Saur-Danfoss. I believe the PTO/pump setup was supplied by Berendson Fluid Power thru their rep John Lamb (you can search here under Alpine Owners Forum for John & possible contacts).

I mention the mid-case because Country Coach had a recall for not using the mid case, the worst case damage assessment for which reads a lot like what you describe. My rig has the mid-case, tho I haven't inspected any other Alpines to assure they included the lube feature the mid case provides.

If you contact Lamb, please post your findings as to part numbers making up your assembly and which parts Berendson supplied. Also look forward to your further info on the cause. Good luck w/repairs.

[Zane Wetzel]

Mike, thank you so much for the Chelsea PTO info. I will try to contact John Lamb and supply any information I can obtain. Zane

[Zane Wetzel]

Genecorp & Mike,

Many thanks for your replies. I will follow-up and see where these leads go and post useful info.

Zane

[wa8yxm]

You said it is a 2009.. Does the word "Warranty" apply?

That said.. Please do post follow ups on this.. I would like to know if perhaps there is some way to more or less insure that this does not happen.

Power steering pumps do tend to be rather "long life" items and that's a whole lot of damage for one to be causing.

[kraig]

Zane

I have 2007 Apex mfg. in May 2007, with the smog engine that has Chelsea PTO mounted on the transmission. Chelsea PTO # 267XGFJW-M5AK. Sauer Danfoss pump 163D71547. MY PTO does have lube lines Mike was talking about. Are there any other part numbers you are looking for?

Kraig
2007 Apex

[kraig]

Zane

I was looking at the the lube line from the transmission to the PTO on my Alpine. WRV used 90 degree 1/4 "fitting on the transmission when it should have had a 45. The lube line is too tight and short which is could be pulling on the 1/4" fitting. If the fitting were to break, all the oil would be lost in the PTO. I am going to replace the line with a longer one.

I know WRV didn't necessarily build everything the same and you have no idea now how the lube lines were plumbed now. This is just an idea I had of the possible cause of your failure of your PTO.

[EngineerMike]

Kraig- can you post a photo of what you are describing? I've looked @ mine and didn't notice any problem w/the line. Mine has a 90 fitting on at least one end (from recollection) so I'm curious about the issue.