Front shock bushing in an 06 Monaco

[distaff]

I was told by an RV mechanic that the rattle in the front of my 06 Patriot Thunder (42 foot tag) was almost certainly a failed bushing on the front shock. Seems the bushing cannot be replaced, only the entire shock.

Is this common?

[scenic route]

Quote:

Originally Posted by distaff I was told by an RV mechanic that the rattle in the front of my 06 Patriot Thunder (42 foot tag) was almost certainly a failed bushing on the front shock. Seems the bushing cannot be replaced, only the entire shock. Is this common?

Yeah, I agree with your mechanic, the shock should be replaced. If in fact, there is a bad bushing on the shock, I'd recommend changing both shocks on the same axle. Being the shocks are at least four years old, you don't really want different rates of travel and pressure (normal internal wear) that an old and new shock would allow. Besides, I don't think a professional would do that even if asked...not a good practice.

As far as the shock bushing failure being common...never saw it in the '70's as a front end and alignment tech for 7 years, even on heavy trucks. With all the out sourcing of parts going on these days, it's certainly not surprising. Bob

[distaff]

Bob -

Thanks, I will do both for the obvious safety reasons. Was wondering if this indicates a bad shock or an issue with the Roadmaster chassis.

[jimkate]

I think the old Roadmaster chassis is about the best available. But sometimes Monaco cheaped out with their shocks. Bilstein shocks have been recognized as very good. I hear that a lot of people are using Koni shocks. For best ride and handling, maybe it's time for a complete new set of shocks..

Jim Sanderson
1995 Monaco Dynasty 36'
Canada, eh?

[fwh]

Will the Koni shocks make a difference? I just bought a 2005 Monaco camelot and have been surprised by the rough ride when hitting pot holes or expansion joints on bridges. I have 8 airbags and 8 shocks.

[jimkate]

How many miles on your coach? Maybe the shocks are shot. Often the original shocks aren't very good. Some have had good experience with Koni shocks to solve the rough ride. Bilstein have a new shock out now that's supposed to be pretty good. Maybe someone with some actual experience will kick in.

[Mike Canter]

A few months ago in one of the two major motorhome magazines they did a test on three different brand shocks. They included Bilstein, Koni and I can't remeber the other brand. The Bilstein came out on top for ride stablity and comforst. The Koni's had a harsh ride and the one I can't remember was last. As far as I know the original equipment equipment Bilsteins are the same as what you buy as a replacement Bilstein. The obvious reason to replace shocks are if oil is leaking down the cylinder or the bushings are worn but other than that if you think the shocks are bad then take them off and test them by compressing and expanding them. If the compress and expand evenly and with pressure then they are still good. Normally on shocks the compression will take a lot more force than the expansion (rebound).