Community Forums

j2inspect · 09-20-2016, 02:40 PM

Mystery Noise Is confounding!
I have a 2003 Winnie Brave on a P-32 workhorse chassis and have worked out what I thought was all the inherent bugs such as autopark issies, ignition switch overload etc. but identifying this noise has really got me, give it a try! The noise is a raspy sound that only happens when the coach is driving between 35-40 mph regardless of turning the wheel, accelerating, braking etc. I can feel a slight friction vibration when it occurs in the steering wheel/gas pedal as it happens in random little bursts. I have no dash lights indicating a EGR pump failure or anything. Drove with wheel covers off the front end and it still happened as been doing since last years spring trip. We did notice the raspy metallic sound was lessened during rainy driving... The noise is confined to the front end maybe driver side area and I have looked beneath the chassis everywhere I can but nothing amiss? Take a stab at it??
Joe, 30' Winnie (not a newbie), thank you!!

George Z · 09-20-2016, 05:12 PM

Loose internal baffles in muffler or cat converter?

Skip426 · 09-20-2016, 05:35 PM

Slight vibration, in the pedal & steering wheel, and raspy noise ; less in rainy conditions .

JMHO: classic description of a U joint , binding , or if you RV has them ; center steady bearing.
Check every U joint cap seal for any sign of rust around the seal onto the joint's cross. U joints don't have to be loose to be failing.

kennersonf · 09-20-2016, 06:32 PM

I agree with #3. I had a similar problem and it turned out to be a driveshaft carrier bearing. Had all of them replace. Problem solved.

Arch Hoagland · 09-20-2016, 11:18 PM

I don't have a clue.

Let us know what you find.

guardrail53 · 09-21-2016, 01:36 AM

Carrier bearings usually display slight vibration when stepping down on the throttle and same when letting off. The easy way to check them is great the driveshaft, and try to move it up and down, if you can move it at all, replace! Rail!

guardrail53 · 09-21-2016, 01:37 AM

Grab

j2inspect · 09-21-2016, 07:25 AM

Thanks George, a notable part of this puzzle is that the noise only happens when the coach is rolling between 35-40 mph, wont happen in park which should not matter to loose baffles but, that is the kind of sound it makes -like a metallic shield being rubbed against another...hmmm.

j2inspect · 09-21-2016, 07:39 AM

I will check U joints as you suggest but I have had that issue before and the type of noise & location somewhere in front of/beneath driver feet does not indicate a bearing. I do know vibration will travel but the raspy intermitant noise happens weather I am on the gas pedal or off & coasting and, does not clunk or grind. It's like drawing a small metal file across the edge of a hubcap! Not a low frequency vibration that would accompany u-joints...IDK??
Thanks!!

j2inspect · 09-21-2016, 07:42 AM

I appreciate all who chime in with any ideas and look forward to posting the final determination (before our upcoming trip!), Not giving up yet, thank you!

Joe

guardrail53 · 09-21-2016, 09:18 AM

I re-read your post again, and you refered to the Auto park and fixing it. It is at the rear of the transmission and on the driveshaft. Maybe something is rubbing it, so give it a good look when you are under there, and look for shiny metal? Let us know what you find? Rail!

YC1 · 09-21-2016, 09:24 AM

See if there are any tin heat shields under there. I had a new rv that make a terrible racket at certain speeds. It was just a loose self tapping screw.

j2inspect · 09-22-2016, 09:40 AM

Yes, a loose heat shield that rubs on something is what it sounds like but why only when moving at 35-40 mph, not a steady noise and not affected by steering, gas pedal accelaration or coasting, this is crazy!
Raspy sound seems to be coming from in front of drivers foot area down by chassis/master cylinder or front end components but that has been checked. I do have air bags inside my springs but noise not tied to bumps and also have large springs attached to leveling jacks that could make such a noise but...? We bent an engine manifold heat shield away from the exhaust just incase and I also drove with wheel covers on front removed, still no change!! Brake shoe dust shield? HELP!