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US1 · 12-09-2022, 08:51 AM

My 2007 22K chassis w/105,000 miles did this, and now my 2017 24K chassis with 20,000 miles. Both Fleetwood Bounders... 33R, now a 36Y

When turning the steering wheel either direction, going over dips, or steering left-right-left-right making the RV rock and roll, I get a popping (binding?) sound from the front right corner. Every time.

On my 2007, I checked and greased the kingpins as well as all joints, had front off ground and checked for binding, (I could turn the steering by hand at the wheels smoothly) and also had replaced the OEM rubber SB bushing with urethane ones and lubed during the install. New Koni shocks. All with no change. I just bought the 2017 last week and its still all stock, haven't had any time to look into it in depth. On the 2007, it appeared to lessen after it was driven for long periods, (all day), but once parked for a few days, back to square one. I have only driven the 2017 1 hr from place of purchase, so no baseline. Just that when I move it in my driveway, it pops!

With both RV's doing the exact same, I am thinking its a suspension noise, that may be common among the F53 chassis. Any ideas?
Thanks

Unplanned Tourist · 12-09-2022, 10:16 AM

Take a close look at the side play at the spring pins. It's common for the spring eyes to slide left and right on the pins if there's too much room. That's what we found on some trucks. Simply putting shims that look like washers of different thickness solved the problem.

spyderRV · 12-09-2022, 02:12 PM

I had a noise like that which turned out to be the mounting bracket on the frame for the sway bar.

NXR · 12-09-2022, 03:33 PM

Check the torque on the front sway bar bolts, especially if the CHF was done. It should be 66 ft lbs for the V10 chassis and they have been reported to pop if loose.

Ray

Americanrascal · 12-09-2022, 08:52 PM

Happened on mine- tightened the sway bars end connections and the bushing brackets it went away. Only took a few minutes and a torque wrench to re-secure the end bolts which were loose

US1 · 12-09-2022, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. Ill give them a look over tomorrow. As far as the sway bar, I replaced the brackets when I installed the urethane bushings on the 2007, so It was all up to snuff and still popped. Have not verified it on the new RV.
I may disconnect 1 or both ends and see if the noise goes away to eliminate the SB. Luckily I can tell within 5' of driving.

Interesting note on the spring pins.

CptBill · 12-11-2022, 10:33 AM

Make sure your shock is tight in the upper mount, had that issue with mine at 12,500 miles thankfully I still have a lot of my shop stuff around so I could fill it and redrill it