Community Forums

rjsupersonic · 04-10-2015, 09:50 PM

I want to replace my shocks on my 07 Sea Breeze F-53 Chassis. Looks fairly simple any tips, also do I need an impact wrench?

Tony Lee · 04-11-2015, 12:19 AM

I did mine on a freightliner chassis in an Alaskan gravel quarry without taking the wheels off. Front was easy because you can get easy access by turning the wheels one way or another.
Back was much harder because access was very poor. Also had to cut one of the fixing bolts with an angle grinder because it was frozen inside the eye. Impact wrench wouldn't have been much use because off lack of straight access to all fixings.

Your experience will be different because the layout will be different.

Mr_D · 04-11-2015, 12:48 AM

I did the fronts on the Dutch Star at least 5 times while testing shocks for Reyco Granning. It's not hard even on a DP with IFS.

dabrooks · 04-11-2015, 06:08 AM

I did mine on the last motor home and it was a 2001 F-53. I sprayed all the nuts with a liquid wrench type spray the day before and they came off easy.

**CountryFit** · 04-11-2015, 08:35 AM

i did mine without moving tires. took about 20 minutes getting both front done. i readjusted them a couple times, it's a piece of cake. in my case, i had to use wood ramps made of 2x8" planks to raise the front up so i could creep in.

chboone · 04-11-2015, 09:02 AM

I used a 1/2" impact to remove and install the shocks on my F53. Torque spec is 260 ft lb, I have a 3/4" torque wrench that goes to 500 ft lb, didn't use it just tightened with impact.

Dutch Star Don · 04-11-2015, 09:07 PM

It can be done with hand tools, but air tools make it pretty simple.

Tobias7000 · 04-12-2015, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

It can be done with hand tools, but air tools make it pretty simple.

So you don't need to take the load off the wheel to change shocks?

twinboat · 04-12-2015, 05:15 AM

No, they do not support weight. They dampen movement.

rjsupersonic · 04-12-2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chboone

I used a 1/2" impact to remove and install the shocks on my F53. Torque spec is 260 ft lb, I have a 3/4" torque wrench that goes to 500 ft lb, didn't use it just tightened with impact.

Thanks, does it matter if you are up on the jacks or not ( I would put jack stands under it) ? Or are the shocks easier to get off when they are down and compressed? disregard someone already answered.. thanks again.

**CountryFit** · 04-12-2015, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjsupersonic

Thanks, does it matter if you are up on the jacks or not ( I would put jack stands under it) ? Or are the shocks easier to get off when they are down and compressed? disregard someone already answered.. thanks again.

there is not much difference with or without jacks. as above said, it does not hold weight. the only thing with jacks it may get you a little more room when you work on it.

no power tools are needed. in my case, space to move the bolts was very limited, power tools won't work. i did on front only, so i just used 1 30mm socket/driver, and 1 30mm wrench. it's easy just put your hands on you will know how to get it done.

Dutch Star Don · 04-12-2015, 12:52 PM

"rjsupersonic".....You're best bet would be to drive the front end up on wooden ramps if you have them. You don't need jacks, they'll just get in your way. Jacks are more for the air suspended coaches that could fall if the air is let out. Your coach isn't going anywhere.

Often, turning the front wheels right or left will give you easier access to a shock versus leaving them pointing forward. Where some safety goggles and a long sleeve shirt because it will be dirty. On some shocks it can be hard to turn the wrench at the top of the shock because of limited space. Often, you can disconnect the lower portion first and then put a box end wrench on the top of the shock and leave it there. Grab the shock body and turn it with your hands, letting the wrench on top wedge against the frame. A lot easier to do than 50 small turns of the wrench.

PeterBlack · 04-12-2015, 03:42 PM

I had changed the "rear" shocks on my 96 Monaco a while back and it was hard to do.. now since blowing off the rear panel on our 07 Knight due to a blow out I sat there and looked at how simple it was to remove the panels and how much more access you have that when the Knight needs new shocks or air bags I will be taking the panels off .. there are only 6 screws holding them on ...