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Old 11-04-2014, 06:51 PM   #1
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Vibration

Just bought a new to me 2008 34 fdds alpine. Just 16000 miles but has a bad vibration under load. Did not notice until we were on our way home paid in full. Just droped it off at a small cummings repair shop in Paso Robles ca. They really do not have a clue what is the problem. Anyone have a suggestion on where it should go tomorrow. I really need to fix the problem. Thanks Mike
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Old 11-04-2014, 08:05 PM   #2
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I would check the universal joints. They should be lubed with a high quality grease designed for U-Joints every 3000 miles, per WRV. A friend's 2000 had a vibration and it was the U-Joints.

Bad U-Joints can cause a vibration while driving.
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Old 11-04-2014, 08:14 PM   #3
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Do a quick check of ride height, particularly rear ride height.

Even an inch or two out of spec materially changes drive line angles (very short drive shaft on any DP). That could be the problem or could certainly contribute to wear on U joints.

Brett
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Old 11-05-2014, 07:47 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfe10 View Post
Do a quick check of ride height, particularly rear ride height.

Even an inch or two out of spec materially changes drive line angles (very short drive shaft on any DP). That could be the problem or could certainly contribute to wear on U joints.

Brett
2003 Alpine 38'
Yes sounds like ride height is not set right, been there and not every shop
knows where to measure and set for your motor home.
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Old 11-05-2014, 08:44 AM   #5
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Most likely rear ride height.
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Old 11-05-2014, 11:38 AM   #6
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Mike,
Be careful about taking the advice of non-Alpine owners on this one.
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Old 11-05-2014, 11:46 AM   #7
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The make and model of the chassis determines ride height not the coach attached to it.
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Old 11-05-2014, 12:22 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfe10 View Post
Do a quick check of ride height, particularly rear ride height.

Even an inch or two out of spec materially changes drive line angles (very short drive shaft on any DP). That could be the problem or could certainly contribute to wear on U joints.

Brett
2003 Alpine 38'
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Old 11-05-2014, 01:09 PM   #9
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Thanks, John.

Been around the RV world and forums for a long time. But, just bought the Alpine and found this the best site.

And, both Jeff and Art are correct. the chassis maker (in the case of Alpine it is the Gary Jones designed PEAK CHASSIS) determines the suspension components and proper ride height.

Brett
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Old 11-05-2014, 08:28 PM   #10
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Most of us with '08 or '09 Alpines had to replace one or both u-joints. Sounds like you're just catching up with the rest of us. There is a lot of info, including part numbers for each u-joint, back a year or more in this forum. Vibration under load is the main symptom.
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Old 11-05-2014, 08:34 PM   #11
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The drivelines on DP's are VERY short and the ride height is critical to longevity, even ½" is enough to cause problems over time.
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Old 11-06-2014, 09:54 PM   #12
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vibration.

Hi, Everyone who replied, THANKS ALOT. Just picked up 2008 34 fdds from cummings. Both ujoints shot. replaced still small vibration. Had wheels taken off to rebalance. Front ones both delaminating. Stopped there and put a set of 6 295 80r 22.5 yokahomas on. Wow. Runs like I had hoped it would. How do I set or check my ride height in the rear? Can someone please give me the spec? Thanks again Mike
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Old 11-06-2014, 10:04 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MIKE JANGAAR View Post
How do I set or check my ride height in the rear? Can someone please give me the spec? Thanks again Mike
You need to get the spec from the chassis manufacturer. It is measured between a suspension point to another suspension point and has nothing to do with the body parts.
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Old 11-07-2014, 05:30 AM   #14
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Check out the the Alpine Coach Association [ACA] website Tech library--there is one document out there that provides both specs and instructions on points to measure from. To my knowledge, this is the only document that exists on the ride heigh and while it was published for earlier coaches, it appears to apply to the later models too.
PS--And as stated earlier, our coach builder was the chassis manufacturer.
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