Community Forums

Any ole Joe · 08-07-2018, 09:15 PM

We have a 2007 Newmar Essex Cummins ISM 500hp/ Spartan K2 chassis. The u-joint has gone bad on the fan drive shaft. The original shaft is no longer made according to Spartan; new one($800) has a long lead time and I have to replace the clutch in the retrofit (another $1200). Does anyone know if I can just replace the u-joint in the shaft? Would save a ton of money.

TJ · 08-07-2018, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Any ole Joe

We have a 2007 Newmar Essex Cummins ISM 500hp/ Spartan K2 chassis. The u-joint has gone bad on the fan drive shaft. The original shaft is no longer made according to Spartan; new one($800) has a long lead time and I have to replace the clutch in the retrofit (another $1200). Does anyone know if I can just replace the u-joint in the shaft? Would save a ton of money.

The big question is "can you find the proper U-joint?" If you can find an exact replacement and it attaches to the shaft in a way that you can duplicate, I don't see a problem.

TJ

10 fan · 08-08-2018, 05:10 AM

I agree with Jim. If you can remove it, then take it to a drive shaft builder and have them look at it. Any repair shop can do it but a builder can balance it.

Soapy · 08-08-2018, 05:11 AM

I had this exact problem and Spartan was able to send it out to be rebuilt. You might check with Chris at Spartan to see who they use.

Indyspecrace · 08-08-2018, 11:29 AM

A driveshaft builder can rebuild that one or build a suitable replacement. I have custom driveshafts built for $200-$250

Dutch Star Don · 08-08-2018, 11:43 AM

Another vote for a good driveshaft shop. They can probably rebuild it with your end connections and use a u-joint that will be available for awhile.

Any ole Joe · 08-08-2018, 04:55 PM

Thanks for all the replies! I’m on the hunt for a driveshaft shop!

palehorse89 · 08-08-2018, 05:02 PM

One more thought, take and get the old u-joint's out and cleaned up and take them to your local part's store(NAPA) ......A parts store where the employee's know what they are doing and see if they can match you up new ones. Assuming the shaft is good to go......

Newaire1 · 08-08-2018, 05:08 PM

We just had a factory delivery and the tech told us the fan driveshaft and gearbox are the most overlooked maintenance item. At every oil change (factory reccomends every other) he said it should be serviced that means oil changed in gear box and driveshaft u joints lubed. The only gear oil they recommend is Delvac 1 80w90. So how many folks are doing that? Do I hear crickets? He said the gear oil that comes out is so metalic on the first change that he reccomends it be done early with the first oil change as well. Very common failure.

Dutch Star Don · 08-08-2018, 05:22 PM

When I did the six month service on my coach, it called for the draining, flushing and refill of the gearbox. I went to Freightliner and asked what they used for a flush. They laughed at me and said no one does that. They suggested I buy the Delvac and keep the receipt to prove I had serviced it. Well, I never got a chance. Mine leaked and Freightliner replaced the entire unit, even though I thought it was leaking out the breather. Well, a short time later it was leaking again. I refilled it, extended the breather and problem solved. I lube the driveshaft along with the rest of the coach, once a year.

I think in Joe's case, it just wore out.

Any ole Joe · 08-15-2018, 04:50 PM

Thanks again for all the input. I used Panhandle Driveline, 3984 Avalon Blvd, Milton, FL 32583 (850) 983-6150. William was awesome. Rebuilt the shaft with 3 u- joints & two new yokes for $330. Same day service.

Dutch Star Don · 08-15-2018, 05:11 PM

Glad you got it fixed!

TJ · 08-15-2018, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Any ole Joe

Thanks again for all the input. I used Panhandle Driveline, 3984 Avalon Blvd, Milton, FL 32583 (850) 983-6150. William was awesome. Rebuilt the shaft with 3 u- joints & two new yokes for $330. Same day service.

Great to hear! Glad you got it repaired for what appears to be a reasonable cost. Thanks for the follow-up.

TJ

tom chelbana · 08-16-2018, 02:14 PM

We had a 04 Essex with the 500 ISM and put 140K miles with shaft drive fan. Always lub. some where between 5 to 7 thousand miles and never an issues. Would suggest all Newmar owners with shaft drive fans to lub. at least once a year or 5 thousand miles because that is most likely caused the u-joint to fail.
Newmar Man