Sway bar bushings

[rmmpe]

I have a "knocking" on my right front side when traveling on a rough road. It sounds like the sway-bar bushing(s) is/are worn (there is no excess steering play or feedback through the wheel).

Any thoughts, suggestions, parts sources?

We're in Maine right now and access to the Internet is sketchy. I will respond to any comments when I have access.

[rmmpe]

I have a "knocking" on my right front side when traveling on a rough road. It sounds like the sway-bar bushing(s) is/are worn (there is no excess steering play or feedback through the wheel).

Any thoughts, suggestions, parts sources?

We're in Maine right now and access to the Internet is sketchy. I will respond to any comments when I have access.

[Rocky Larson]

I had a "tapping" in the same general location. Nothing as complicated as you are looking for. The pull strap was flapping and hitting the side of the coach. Fixed that and began hearing the door hold open latch tapping. Hope yours is as simple. Good Luck

[Ted III]

I would suggest 2-3' outriggers out each side of the coach w/ 4" pneumatic tires. Kind of like a hydroplane sponson. Your width will be a bit hairy but with your driving ability and Peg's direction this will correct the problem. Corners will be a bit of an issue but you can clear a great path.

All in all how was your ride to Maine and how is Booth Bay Harbor. Hope you are having a great time. Where are you in relation to Greencastle as there is now an Alpine dealer there. You may have known that.
Have a great time and keep in touch.

[rmmpe]

Ted,

Now there's an idea. Especially in Pennsyltucky. I'll go one better and install American flags on the outriggers so there'll be no mistaking my patriotism. The MCL will be proud of me. I appreciate your comments of my driving ability. I learned it in Saudi Arabia and it's called "The intrinsically stupid offensive driving technique". Works here to.

Trip to Maine was great. Wonderful ride and not a thing other than the 'knocking' to consider. Still at over 10 MPG by Silverleaf but will be checking against real gallons by miles. So far, speedometer is right on by active GPS and it looks very, very close.

We'll be doing a 3 hour boat ride later to see a number of good things and leave tomorrow for northern Maine, etc.

Peg is really great and, as usual, terrific to travel with.

I'll check on Greencastle but, if it's bushings, I can do that myself.

Thanks for the wishes and say hello to Carol for us.

[rmmpe]

Rocky,

I am sure it's only on really rough roads but will check what you say (if I can find it).
Thanks.

[rmmpe]

Ted,

Full reply to follow (I used a questionable word in it and it is under review by the Moderators).

[Tom and Patty]

We had a heavy knock-clunk. At the time I wasn't sure which side it was coming from. The trac-bar bolt was loose where it attached to the frame on the left (drivers) side. Tightened it with many footpounds of torque and it has been quiet for 30K miles.

[Rusty Bear]

Hi Bob & Peg

I have the same coach (99SDS) side door and had the same problem. It turned out to be a loose shock on the right front. I had all the shocks checked and tightened. The problem went away and the thumps are gone. I am now going to have Koni shocks installed and the front axel aligned. See post on Koni Shocks. I hope your problem is as simple to fix.

Jim & Vivian

[rmmpe]

T&P, J&V,

Basically what I'd planned to look for when I get to a place flat enough to have a look-see (1st service area where I can park it off to the side).

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks.

[Ted III]

Great to hear you are having a good time. Hope your weather has held up, ours has been terrific. Keep us posted on your progress and it appears that there are some really intelligent thoughts on your noise other than my phenomenal response which I would ignore immediately or sooner. Say HI to Peg
Have a great time.

[rmmpe]

Thanks Ted.

We're still 'movin on' after a stop at Freightliner of Maine in Bangor for a fuel filter, which I didn't want to mess with. They got us in right away.

What a great bunch of people. They verified my diagnosis, changed the fuel filter (which looked like it may have been the original), replaced the coolant/conditioner canister and dignosed the engine. All told, the cost was $110.00........for everything, filters, labor and tax. 2 Hours later, away we went.

If ever in the area needing service, I recommend them.
We are now in Houlton for the night and will go again tomorrow.

Hi to all.

[rmmpe]

Here is what I found:

1. The sheet metal straps were not tight around the Spring Beam's bushing end. They have been temporarily secured to see if the "Rattle" goes away. To address this properly, according to the manual, the entire assembly must be removed so the arc can be reduced, thereby making them fit better. I question why they are even there (can anyone offer the reason?).

2. The left sway-bar link was quite loose (a bit over finger tight). Both links have been tightened securely.

3. Shocks appear to be properly secured but will be replaced with KONIs next Spring.

Any additional input?

[takepride]

Bob,

If you (or anyone) ever do need those sway bar bushings, I bought mine at Henderson's Line-Up
417 S.W. Henderson Lane, Grants Pass, OR 97527, http://hendersonslineup.com. They were originally called "ipd sway bars" but changed their name to Roadmaster RSS Anti-Sway Bars (I think they were bought up). I called Gary (ext. 17) there and he knows everything about everything.

This is all assuming your sway bar is the same as my OEM's on my 2003.