Pre-Mid 2005 M.Y. Rear Axle Hanger Issue

[EngineerMike]

Folks- Got the following issue handed to me over the last few days looking for parts source. 2001 coach is in the shop at Redlands, cradle casting that attaches rear axle to the trailing control arm is cracked in coupla places.
This is on the earlier type of suspension with two rows of 3ea bolts tying hanger to frame rail, all 5/8" bolts (left on photo is forward; photo taken from amid-ships looking toward inside of PS frame rail; trailing control arm is on bottom of photo & subject "cradle" part is lower right):

Potential affected part is the cradle on under-side of axle with U-bolts over top of axle.

Here is a view from the front showing cracks developing between the large U-bolts and along the underside of axle, view is rear facing:


Here is a second view (note crack on right side, that can't be good):


Couldn't say at this point if this is a one-off issue or systematically may affect a number of units. It appears service parts are available from SAF-Holland who now owns Neway:
Aftermarket > SAF-HOLLAND
If you have the type of suspension in 1st photo above, I recommend having your rig checked next time you have chassis service done. Or if its a hot day and you want some shade & fun, crawl under there w/a flashlight, camera, bag lunch & a nice IPA or a good chianti, and make an afternoon of it, maybe invite some friends?

Here is an exploded parts diagram from SAF-Holland (the forward control arm hanger is a newer type than 1st photo above, but cradle parts appear to be same thing):

[EngineerMike]

Coach has 135k on the clock, fyi

[FRED MASINO]

Mike, I have check my Rear Axle Hanger for cracks. Everything looks OK. I have 150,000 miles on my coach and no problems with rear suspension. Do you think this hanger issue could of accrued if this coach had been towed with no air pressure in the rear air bags?

[wesw]

During service appointment checked rear axle hanger and rear suspension carefully and found no evidence of cracks. We have 101,000 miles (original owners) on our 1999 36' MDSS coach and have had no rear suspension problems. Thanks for the heads-up about this possible problem. If others have checked their coaches, a quick post would help determine if this was a one-off occurrence or not.

[EngineerMike]

I've talked to several owners of this axle hanger setup on Alpines. The picture appears to be an isolated issue. More than one coach at 150k+ is going strong w/out cracking.