Suspension Noises?

[LanceMan]

I have the W24 chassis with the 8.1 and Allison, Safe Steer and Rear Track Bar installed.

Hi all – I just got back off of a 2,000 mile trip. On the first day of the trip I noticed noises coming from the lower front of the RV. The noises can be best described as rattles and squeaks. It wasn't real bad at first but over the next week of driving it got progressively worse. I can also feel the rattles (knocking) and now it seems to be coming from the entire underside but much worse near the front. It is so noisy that my wife driving next to me can hear the noises. I've crawled under the entire coach but can't find anything loose.

I thought maybe it was the Safe Steer so I disconnected it and then drove the coach. The noises are as loud, if not louder. I did not disconnect the Track Bar.

Any ideas? Everything seems tight and installed correctly underneath but the rattling, knocking and squeaking is something that I can't live with. Btw -- I notice the noises and feel the knocking most at lower speeds. Thanks. -Walt

[LanceMan]

I have the W24 chassis with the 8.1 and Allison, Safe Steer and Rear Track Bar installed.

Hi all – I just got back off of a 2,000 mile trip. On the first day of the trip I noticed noises coming from the lower front of the RV. The noises can be best described as rattles and squeaks. It wasn't real bad at first but over the next week of driving it got progressively worse. I can also feel the rattles (knocking) and now it seems to be coming from the entire underside but much worse near the front. It is so noisy that my wife driving next to me can hear the noises. I've crawled under the entire coach but can't find anything loose.

I thought maybe it was the Safe Steer so I disconnected it and then drove the coach. The noises are as loud, if not louder. I did not disconnect the Track Bar.

Any ideas? Everything seems tight and installed correctly underneath but the rattling, knocking and squeaking is something that I can't live with. Btw -- I notice the noises and feel the knocking most at lower speeds. Thanks. -Walt

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LanceMan:
Any ideas? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Walt, Check your large automotive fan to see if the fan isn't nicking the shroud. We have all seen where the fan can come in contact and present a noise if the shroud and fan come in contact. The variable speed noise might be consistent with this type of event.

To complete rule out this event may I suggest that you check into an authorized service center to have the situation evaluated. I'm sure it's nothing serious but it can drive you nuts if the noise persists.

[wilanddij]

I don't know about Damon, but I had the right front coach body upright weld break where its where it joins to the frame (on the Southwind). It started with a loud bang and got to where it would make a loud squeek whenever the right front wheel hit any bump.

[FrontRangeRVer]

Check out my thread about the heat shields that run right underneath the floors.....

[M&EM]

LanceMan,

Take a look at your front leaf springs and notice if there are plastic spacers between the leaves right at the eyes of the springs.
Mine were missing at several places and squeaked and knocked at low speed particularly when turnining into or out of a driveway ramp.
Nobody could define the causes. I finally crawled under and noticed differences between springs from one side to other. Missing parts spacers, were ordered and installed.

That was 3 years ago. No recurrence of the problem since.

[LanceMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by M&EM:
LanceMan,

Take a look at your front leaf springs and notice if there are plastic spacers between the leaves right at the eyes of the springs.
Mine were missing at several places and squeaked and knocked at low speed particularly when turnining into or out of a driveway ramp.
Nobody could define the causes. I finally crawled under and noticed differences between springs from one side to other. Missing parts spacers, were ordered and installed.

That was 3 years ago. No recurrence of the problem since. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks. I looked and it looks like the spacers are all there. Still stumped.

[LanceMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FrontRangeRVer:
Check out my thread about the heat shields that run right underneath the floors..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually I already looked at that thread. It could be that but it sure sounds like soemthing in the suspension but thanks for offering the possible solution. Who knows, it could be the cause.

[LanceMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DriVer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LanceMan:
Any ideas? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Walt, Check your large automotive fan to see if the fan isn't nicking the shroud. We have all seen where the fan can come in contact and present a noise if the shroud and fan come in contact. The variable speed noise might be consistent with this type of event.

To complete rule out this event may I suggest that you check into an authorized service center to have the situation evaluated. I'm sure it's nothing serious but it can drive you nuts if the noise persists. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jeez that was almost impossible to check but I did. They sure hide that little devil. The fan looked fine...the blades had no scratches or signs of wear anyway.

[Redlands Truck and RV]

On newer coaches we have found the cause of many front end suspension noises coming from the teflon block that is mounted top rear of the front leaf spring. When you enter a driveway or go over a speed bump the noise you hear is that block moving over the spring.

We use a large C clamp on the 2 leaf springs creating a space under that block, then we apply open gear lube between the block and the spring. Give it a try and let us know.

[scoutmstr]

My front end squeak started after my long trip. Rexhall uses a large front cap that comes around the side. Although the front cap is screwed to the coach side, it is not directly attached to the frame. The cap is held to the frame by expansion foam on the left and right of the coach above the wheels. Mine had cracked and the cap was moving up and down about 1/4 inch but enough to cause squeaking when it did. Removed some in a VEE shape and added new. My noise is now gone.

[LanceMan]

Thanks everyone for all the tips. I'll report back on what eventually solves my problem. You gotta love these boards -- extremely helpful information and advice!

[LanceMan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Redlands Truck and RV:
On newer coaches we have found the cause of many front end suspension noises coming from the teflon block that is mounted top rear of the front leaf spring. When you enter a driveway or go over a speed bump the noise you hear is that block moving over the spring.

We use a large C clamp on the 2 leaf springs creating a space under that block, then we apply open gear lube between the block and the spring. Give it a try and let us know. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Keith,
I'm now in the find it and fix it mode and want to try your fix but I want to make sure I understand the procedure. The Teflon block you're talking about is the one forward of the front axle suspension spring(s) "rear" attachment point -- correct? I assume the front of the springs where that Teflon block is located is not the problem?? Anyway, I think I see where the two springs can be compressed together to get the grease between the block and spring but how much effort is needed using a c-clamp? Speaking of grease, can axle grease be used? Thanks for the tip and helping me understand the procedure before I try it. -Walt

[Craig G]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LanceMan:
Keith,
I'm now in the find it and fix it mode and want to try your fix but I want to make sure I understand the procedure. The Teflon block you're talking about is the one forward of the front axle suspension spring(s) "rear" attachment point -- correct? I assume the front of the springs where that Teflon block is located is not the problem?? Anyway, I think I see where the two springs can be compressed together to get the grease between the block and spring but how much effort is needed using a c-clamp? Speaking of grease, can axle grease be used? Thanks for the tip and helping me understand the procedure before I try it. -Walt </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ditto on Lancemans procedure question...