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ArtDeCamper · 06-01-2020, 10:35 AM

Has anyone had an issue with changing the front shocks on a Kountry Star built on a Freightliner XC chassis were the levelling jacks were placed beside the upper front shock mounting brackets and the shock bolt in from the rear and no clearance to remove the said bolt my unit is a 2003 model year. Levelling jack brackets are welded to the frame. Why didn't Newmar reverse the bolt putting the nut facing levelling jack bracket instead of facing forward. That should have been a recall on Newmar's part.

LJowdy · 06-01-2020, 11:05 AM

Since there isn't anything you can do about the bolt issue, I suggest you loosen the bolt as much as possible, cut it with a sawzall or hack saw, buy a new bolt and replace the shocks. If you can get a grinder in there, that's another solution to removing the bolt.

Skip426 · 06-01-2020, 11:07 AM

The upper shock mount bolt , installed by a Freightliner assembly line worker , could easily be installed either direction; and that worker would probably not been given guidance as to which direction to place it; as noted in the picture on my coach shock bolt . When the bare chassis arrived at Newmar for the leveler jack install and there's a 50/50 chance that the removal of the bolt wouldn't be an issue and the welder probably didn't notice any issue ; particularly if the other units he'd been welding on had the nut on the bracket side .

Frustrating to have to cut the head off the bolt and replace it ; yes ; and after 40 years in automotive repair I've been frustrated many times by assembly line issues; but subject to a SAFETY recall . Sorry not something that meets the criteria.

ArtDeCamper · 06-01-2020, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

Since there isn't anything you can do about the bolt issue, I suggest you loosen the bolt as much as possible, cut it with a sawzall or hack saw, buy a new bolt and replace the shocks. If you can get a grinder in there, that's another solution to removing the bolt.

Thanks for the response.

Not a lot of room and would have to remove hydraulic line from jack thus making it hard to lift MH. May have to get a shop to do it.

Thx Art

ArtDeCamper · 06-01-2020, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

The upper shock mount bolt , installed by a Freightliner assembly line worker , could easily be installed either direction; and that worker would probably not been given guidance as to which direction to place it; as noted in the picture on my coach shock bolt . When the bare chassis arrived at Newmar for the leveler jack install and there's a 50/50 chance that the removal of the bolt wouldn't be an issue and the welder probably didn't notice any issue ; particularly if the other units he'd been welding on had the nut on the bracket side .

Frustrating to have to cut the head off the bolt and replace it ; yes ; and after 40 years in automotive repair I've been frustrated many times by assembly line issues; but subject to a SAFETY recall . Sorry not something that meets the criteria.

Thx for the response. I was thinking that's the route Id have to take but hard to do when your working on a gravel pad. Probably need to take it in to a shop.

Thx Art