Ball joint issue on a 2005 Mountain Master chassis / Newmar Mountain Are 43' ?

[Doug427]

I'm looking at a 2005 Newell 43' Tag axle coach sitting on a Mountain Master chassis. Mileage is in the 50's. I've read a bit about ball joint issues on some Spartan chassis'. Does this chassis have that ball joint issue? Is this year and or mileage vulnerable?

[Donno]

Originally Posted by Doug427

I'm looking at a 2005 Newell 43' Tag axle coach sitting on a Mountain Master chassis. Mileage is in the 50's. I've read a bit about ball joint issues on some Spartan chassis'. Does this chassis have that ball joint issue? Is this year and or mileage vulnerable?

Why do you keep referring to a Newell coach when you mean a Newmar? I can't answer your question but I've seen several posts that you've done this. They are completely different animals and price ranges.

[Doug427]

Originally Posted by Donno

Why do you keep referring to a Newell coach when you mean a Newmar? I can't answer your question but I've seen several posts that you've done this. They are completely different animals and price ranges.

Darned if I know - mental block I guess. Sorry!

[mackwrench]

If the coach has independent front suspension, Reyco-Granning, then yes the ball joints can be an issue.

Actually it's not the joints, as much it's the rubber boots around them. Over time the boots deteriorate, come apart and are gone. The now unprotected joints fail in fairly short order.

There's no grease fitting to service. So more than likely, they need replacement.

Even the replacement joints Don't have grease fitting, but many here have drilled and added them.

If you can safely crawl under coach with wheels turned sharp you'll be able to see the boots, or maybe not.

There's pricing from 1500 to 4000 to replace them, but I replaced mine myself for 1500 all parts.

I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor in the coach, they ride great!

[Rob_M]

Exactly what Mackwrench said. They ride great. And in the scheme of things $3000 isn’t much to spend if you love everything else about the coach.
Find a good honest shop and have the new ball joints modified to accept grease fittings when they are replaced.

[Ray,IN]

This pdf will explain how to test the Reyco-Granning IFS; https://www.spartanchassis.com/cps/l...5375561250.pdf
I doubt that MH has defective ball joints, even with torn boots, at that low mileage. I was advised to spray the joints with silicone every few thousand miles when the covers are torn. I plan to add zerk fittings when I get a chance.
I tried wrapping the torn boots with stretch-wrap, then adding grease; didn't work out well.

[FormerBoater]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

This pdf will explain how to test the Reyco-Granning IFS; https://www.spartanchassis.com/cps/l...5375561250.pdf
I doubt that MH has defective ball joints, even with torn boots, at that low mileage. I was advised to spray the joints with silicone every few thousand miles when the covers are torn. I plan to add zerk fittings when I get a chance.
I tried wrapping the torn boots with stretch-wrap, then adding grease; didn't work out well.

Ray, try some Boeshield T-9 as a replacement for the silicone. This is a Boeing developed lubricant and corrosion protection product that wicks in an amazing fashion.


Our boots were gone at 47K and 10 years old when we bought the unit. Now 11 years later and 108K miles the ball joints are good and are kept clean by drenching them with the Boeshield before each trip.


No noise whatsoever due to the regular use of the T-9.



Discovered this product during my salt water boating days....available on Amazon or any marine store.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by FormerBoater

Ray, try some Boeshield T-9 as a replacement for the silicone. This is a Boeing developed lubricant and corrosion protection product that wicks in an amazing fashion.


Our boots were gone at 47K and 10 years old when we bought the unit. Now 11 years later and 108K miles the ball joints are good and are kept clean by drenching them with the Boeshield before each trip.


No noise whatsoever due to the regular use of the T-9.



Discovered this product during my salt water boating days....available on Amazon or any marine store.

[Papa Fort]

I have a 2004 Mountainaire and there was a Spartan recall on the front suspension. You will need to check with Spartan to see if yours was included.

[Doug427]

My 2005 Mountain Aire 4304 has a Reyco Granning IFS 1460S2 independent front suspension system. In looking at it, it doesn't appear to have any ball joints at all! It's a kingpin based IFS system. The only thing I can see on this suspension system that would be booted ball joint type joints would be the steering tie rod ends.



Am I missing something here guys? Do I have an oddball or bad suspension system on my coach?

[tomgrigsby]

Sounds like the boots are gone....

[Meames1]

Originally Posted by Doug427

My 2005 Mountain Aire 4304 has a Reyco Granning IFS 1460S2 independent front suspension system. In looking at it, it doesn't appear to have any ball joints at all! It's a kingpin based IFS system. The only thing I can see on this suspension system that would be booted ball joint type joints would be the steering tie rod ends.



Am I missing something here guys? Do I have an oddball or bad suspension system on my coach?

You are correct, the 1460S2 suspension does not use ball joints. Although, it's not king pins either. They use an upright that has bushings at either end that bolts to the control arms.

[Doug427]

Originally Posted by Meames1

You are correct, the 1460S2 suspension does not use ball joints. Although, it's not king pins either. They use an upright that has bushings at either end that bolts to the control arms.

How does the suspension I have compare in ride quality and build quality to the ball joint suspension that everyone talks about?

[AFChap]

Originally Posted by Doug427

How does the suspension I have compare in ride quality and build quality to the ball joint suspension that everyone talks about?

Doubt you would notice the difference ...other than not having to replace/deal with the ball joints! I notice you said it is a 43' tag axle coach so I would guess that front suspension has a slightly higher load rating … perhaps 14-15k rather than 12k.