Drag Link

[Cookiejar]

I have a 2007 Alpine Limited SE and my drag link has become loose and needs to be replaced. Does anyone have information where I can find a drag link or a supplier that made these for WRV? Thanks. Cookiejar

[tillbuilt]

Are you sure it is the drag link. Most Alpine's have the problem of the track bar rattling. The drag link connects the steering box to the tie rod. The track bar connects the frame to the axle. If it is the track bar that is rattling it is probably not worn out is just has slop in the frame mount letting it rattle in the mount. Jut give both the mounts a good OMG tightening w/ a about a 900ft. lb inpact wrench and it will squeeze the mount together.

[Cookiejar]

Tillbuilt, I have a rattle when I hit bumps and had Grand Traverse Diesel check it out and they said the Drag Link was loose and they thought it was the problem. I will check on the track bar to be sure I am working on the correct solution. Thanks. CookieJar 2007 40 FDTS.

[Rich and Cork]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookiejar Tillbuilt, I have a rattle when I hit bumps and had Grand Traverse Diesel check it out and they said the Drag Link was loose and they thought it was the problem. I will check on the track bar to be sure I am working on the correct solution. Thanks. CookieJar 2007 40 FDTS.

Could the rattle noise be the bar that is used to hold the generator door? I know that I ended up putting some tape on it where it could hit some metal. Just a thought.

[dshogman]

Got my 2005 in April 2007. From the start there was a clunking sound from the beneath the driver's seat. Had several people look at it and finally when a tech was installing a new fuel sending unit, he said "you mean this sound" and there was the clunking. Turns out the bushings at both ends of the drag link were "shot." Contacted WRV and they tried to get just the end pieces but the manufacturer would not sell just the ends. (I'm sure I could have gotten them elsewhere but didn't know this at that time.) So bought the whole drag link, finally got it installed (WRV shipped to wrong address once) and the clunk was gone.
Check out the bushings.

[dgerstel]

Cookiejar,

In case your problem really is the drag link check here: Tie Rods

One of the misc topics covered here are drag links.

[Old Scout]

I wont argue with the "facts" but I find it really hard to believe that a pretty heavy-duty steering/suspension axle component would wear out in just a few thousand miles. Assuming you grease your front-end every 3-5 thousand miles, these components should last for years in an RV application. The exception being some sort of alignment issue that continuously exercises a link or component--but so severe the driver would have to feel it.
PS--loose track bars are an issue with older coaches.

[frenchcar]

I blew a front left tire on my 2003 Alpine Coach. Nasty! It took out at least one end of the drag link, among other things. Now I am looking for a replacement of the drag link and the ends. Anyone know where I can find such a part now that WRV has gone away? I am at a loss.

[Cookiejar]

Frenchcar, My truck repair facility in Traverse City, MI said they could measure the length and angles and find me a replacement drag link. Perhaps you can find a truck repair place close to you.
CookieJar

[frenchcar]

Cookiejar. I'm taking the coach up to the shop again today and they just may have to do that. Thanks for your support and Cheers from Western WA

[EngineerMike]

I was under the Smith's front end yesterday and checked their drag link. The rubber bushings at both ends were gone completely and apparently have been for some time. On mine they were cracked seriously from the start (20k+ on Smith's, 11K on mine). IMO improper initial fit of the bushings caused the heavy cracks, and once the bushings tear away the grease can fall out easily and lead to premature death of the ball joint ends. Special attention to keeping the tie rod zircs greased on the later models is warranted IMO because of this condition.

Elsewhere it was noted WRV used tie rod ends that might have been European or otherwise hard to match. That oddity might play into the fast-to-wear bushings. I'll be doing steering inspections at the Chula Vista pre-rally and will include this point on my punchlist. Maybe it is related to the increase in drag link diameter (not sure what year that occurred).