Has anybody had to replace the rear air manifold for the HWH suspension? Buddy Gregg in Knoxville says the problem is common enough that they keep the part in stock. Part cost =$1223!!! plus labor. I think this coach (07 Nimbus) was built with a very large, very dark cloud over it.
Regards to all.
John Lang
John,
Why do they want to replace the entire manifold? There are some serviceable parts, notably the O-ring set (RAP6554) if you have a leak which is about $7-8 from FOT (12 o-rings, 2 per solenoid). Replacing/rebuilding with this kit was about 1 hour labor per manifold at FOT. I suspect the solenoids are also replaceable parts, likely about $100-200 each.
We had FOT replace the o-rings in both rear six pack manifolds (tag axles have a second one) last month as they found 5 out of the 12 were leaking air, total cost around $230-250. Steve just redid the front manifold himself. Not a hideous job if you have the blocks/chocks, a decent level surface for the coach and you, and some o-ring grease.
There was also some research into the proper o-ring size if you didn't have the kit. Our leveling system problem (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=12423.msg67934#msg67934)
Michelle
Thanx Michelle. I was in a bit of shock when they called. But I will talk to the service manager early on Monday and ask questions.
John Lang
Buddy Greeg, I am not a bit surprised, you are lucky they did not find a bad engine and transmission and numberous other items too. Have heard over the years some horror stories about your close by service center.
Seems their shop is total parts replacers with zero mechanics, meaning everything gets replaced until the problem is solved.
Prehaps you have had good luck, if so, you should feel good.
John,
If I remember the discussion at FT correctly (we're going back a few years), the o-ring kit has been available for around 5 or so years, and prior to that the solution was to replace the entire manifold. We learned about this when our front manifold was rebuilt sometime in the 2005-7 years for leaks. Perhaps Buddy Gregg was never made aware by (nor asked) HWH about the option. Certainly it's easier for some to just replace the entire manifold than to actually pull each solenoid, remove the old o-rings, clean the surfaces carefully, properly install new the ones and reassemble. Very important to reinstall the solenoids correctly so you don't damage the new o-rings or sealing surfaces.
Good luck!
Michelle
A single solenoid from HWH is around $100 with shipping. Hard to imagine what could go wrong with the manifold since it is just a block of aluminum with some holes drilled in it for air passages with some tapped for plugs, the 6 solenoids and air lines, plus a couple of pressure switches on some coaches. Of course if someone strips some threads you will need a new one. Does the $1223 include new solenoids and switches? You should retain the old manifold for spare parts. I'm betting that the Nimbus manifold is almost identical to earlier Foretravels.
John, call HWH first and ask them about it. THey will give you the backup you will need to talk to Buddy Gregg. Or saddle up and go out to Iowa. I was just there and they are nice to deal with. I was in service for 36 hours and paid for one part about 62 bucks.. Can't beat it....
As a comparison, the manifold assembly from HWH for a 2000 with a single slide is $335 S&H was extra. That's what I paid in February.
George, wasn't that the slide manifold for the air bladder, not the leveling one? The leveling one has 6 solenoids (and probably some check and pressure valves).
Michelle
Oops. Big goof on my part.
Yes. It was for the slide assembly.
Good catch.
John,
I've been wondering how this is going. Any news/updates?
Michelle
If you do replace the entire manifold, I'd like to old one for -$.
recently purchase (off internet) a complete manifold for around $300.00. really just wanted the solenoids for spares.
Picked up the coach from Buddy Gregg today. Some mis-communication somewhere; not sure which direction, but I will take responsibility. I heard the quote as $1200 for the parts. When I paid the bill today, the total invoice was for $1282 - parts ($750) and labor. I felt like the current gasoline price: feel so good it is "only" $3.42. I will give Buddy Gregg high marks for politeness and timeliness.
Glad this is behind me; now we can continue our road adventures and breathlessly wait for the next "event".
My thanks to all who offered thoughts and comments on my query.
Regards to all,
John Lang