Banging noise at bridge junctions and dips

[zcaptain]

When driving at higher speeds (>50mph) there is a loud banging noise below the front seats when going over a bridge junction or big dip. It seems as if the suspension is topping out (bang noise) and bottoming out. Usually one bang as the coach rises, but sometimes top and then again as we bottom. Also sometimes as we hit a dip, there is a loud bang as the coach hits the bottom of the suspension travel. Not every junction, nor every dip, just the bigger transitions. It doesn't seem to porpoise as in other threads, just bang at the top or bottom or both.

Spartan (Coach Care in Houston) has checked the ride height (which was in spec), and adjusted (increased) the front pressure. Also, per Entegra, checked the generator slide to see if it was moving.

Spartan will send new shocks (Bilsteins) that they use on the '19 chassis, but they want me to pay installations fees (~$850). Entegra - Spartan have me in the middle.

I don't want to throw parts at the problem, nor am I anxious to pay to install.
Does this sound like new shocks will fix the banging? Is $850 about normal to install new shocks? Any other ideas?

Thanks

[brobox]

Most have changed shocks to Koni's in the $400. range installed. Lots of post regarding that problem and fix.

[C310]

We are experiencing the noise you describe but just on the rebound. Don’t have a fix yet but I think we’re getting closer with Spartans feedback. $850 just for the labor? No way, it’s only 2 bolts per shock.
Steve

[757driver]

Originally Posted by zcaptain

When driving at higher speeds (>50mph) there is a loud banging noise below the front seats when going over a bridge junction or big dip. It seems as if the suspension is topping out (bang noise) and bottoming out. Usually one bang as the coach rises, but sometimes top and then again as we bottom. Also sometimes as we hit a dip, there is a loud bang as the coach hits the bottom of the suspension travel. Not every junction, nor every dip, just the bigger transitions. It doesn't seem to porpoise as in other threads, just bang at the top or bottom or both.

Spartan (Coach Care in Houston) has checked the ride height (which was in spec), and adjusted (increased) the front pressure. Also, per Entegra, checked the generator slide to see if it was moving.

Spartan will send new shocks (Bilsteins) that they use on the '19 chassis, but they want me to pay installations fees (~$850). Entegra - Spartan have me in the middle.

I don't want to throw parts at the problem, nor am I anxious to pay to install.
Does this sound like new shocks will fix the banging? Is $850 about normal to install new shocks? Any other ideas?

Thanks

When I had Koni shocks put on at Spartan in Charlotte the labour charge was $100.00. They are severely overcharging for something that takes at most an hour to accomplish.

[OldBeaver]

I would suspect it is your leveling jacks.
If they are held in place by springs they could easily make some noise.

[jestew3]

Originally Posted by zcaptain

When driving at higher speeds (>50mph) there is a loud banging noise below the front seats when going over a bridge junction or big dip. It seems as if the suspension is topping out (bang noise) and bottoming out. Usually one bang as the coach rises, but sometimes top and then again as we bottom. Also sometimes as we hit a dip, there is a loud bang as the coach hits the bottom of the suspension travel. Not every junction, nor every dip, just the bigger transitions. It doesn't seem to porpoise as in other threads, just bang at the top or bottom or both.

Spartan (Coach Care in Houston) has checked the ride height (which was in spec), and adjusted (increased) the front pressure. Also, per Entegra, checked the generator slide to see if it was moving.

Spartan will send new shocks (Bilsteins) that they use on the '19 chassis, but they want me to pay installations fees (~$850). Entegra - Spartan have me in the middle.

I don't want to throw parts at the problem, nor am I anxious to pay to install.
Does this sound like new shocks will fix the banging? Is $850 about normal to install new shocks? Any other ideas?

Thanks

Bill,


I am having the same issue as you. I am dropping my coach off this weekend at Cummins of Harrisburg with is a Spartan level 1 facility to diagnose the noise in the front end. I will report back with their findings.


Ted

[brobox]

Use the green Google search bar at the top of the page. Type in: Entegra koni's shocks. There will be several posts with the problem and the fix

[jestew3]

Originally Posted by brobox

Use the green Google search bar at the top of the page. Type in: Entegra koni's shocks. There will be several posts with the problem and the fix

Even on the 19s. Is this something Entegra/Spartan should remedy on a current model year coach?

[brobox]

There have been several Aspires that have had to change the shocks on the 19's What they have worked out with Spartan I cannot answer.

[HarleySG]

Originally Posted by zcaptain

Spartan will send new shocks (Bilsteins) that they use on the '19 chassis, but they want me to pay installations fees (~$850). Entegra - Spartan have me in the middle.
Thanks

~$850, that's crazy. Hope you get a better installation quote.

Cheers!

[Dr. Q]

I have a classic that need shocks and Koni doesn't make shocks for it....for some reason, my Anthem has a Hendrickson front end....

I'm now thinking the 60mm Bilsteins might have to do, if I can find those....

[Victory Blue]

Originally Posted by zcaptain

Spartan will send new shocks (Bilsteins) that they use on the '19 chassis, but they want me to pay installations fees (~$850). Entegra - Spartan have me in the middle.

I don't want to throw parts at the problem, nor am I anxious to pay to install.
Does this sound like new shocks will fix the banging? Is $850 about normal to install new shocks? Any other ideas?

Thanks

In 2017 Entegra put 60mm Bilsteins on the Anthem and that’s the size on the 18s and 19s. What would Spartan send you that’s different? What shocks are on your coach? It’s unlikely the shocks are your problem.

[zcaptain]

Originally Posted by jestew3

Bill,


I am having the same issue as you. I am dropping my coach off this weekend at Cummins of Harrisburg with is a Spartan level 1 facility to diagnose the noise in the front end. I will report back with their findings.


Ted

Hope you have better luck than I am having. My RV is at the Houston Cummins Coach Care - also Level 1. All parties are trying to help, but Entegra and Spartan both say they've not heard of this before.

Spartan will send newer Bilstein shocks at no charge that are tuned differently, but seems like the '19 is having the same problem even with the newer shock. Cummins Coach Care updated the estimate to 1.5 to 2 hours labor each wheel or about $600 to change the front shocks. I'm still reluctant since it's way high -- and we're under warranty.

From what I can tell reading through other threads, others report the fix is either shocks or incorrectly torqued bolts on the control arm. There are a few of us on this thread with what sounds like a similar clunk noise. Don't know why Spartan/Entegra say they haven't heard of this.

[MoHoGo]

Originally Posted by zcaptain

When driving at higher speeds (>50mph) there is a loud banging noise below the front seats when going over a bridge junction or big dip. It seems as if the suspension is topping out (bang noise) and bottoming out. Usually one bang as the coach rises, but sometimes top and then again as we bottom. Also sometimes as we hit a dip, there is a loud bang as the coach hits the bottom of the suspension travel. Not every junction, nor every dip, just the bigger transitions. It doesn't seem to porpoise as in other threads, just bang at the top or bottom or both.



Spartan (Coach Care in Houston) has checked the ride height (which was in spec), and adjusted (increased) the front pressure. Also, per Entegra, checked the generator slide to see if it was moving.



Spartan will send new shocks (Bilsteins) that they use on the '19 chassis, but they want me to pay installations fees (~$850). Entegra - Spartan have me in the middle.



I don't want to throw parts at the problem, nor am I anxious to pay to install.

Does this sound like new shocks will fix the banging? Is $850 about normal to install new shocks? Any other ideas?



Thanks

We had a banging sound from the front on dips and rough roads. NIRVC found the mud flap behind the passenger tire was not fastened to the frame of the wheel. Not sure if this is your problem, but easy to check.