Replace shocks?

Topic: Replace shocks? (Read 1382 times) previous topic - next topic

Replace shocks?

July 22, 2016, 07:13:27 pm

Having recently bought a 2000 U320 with about 70k miles, I'm taking an inventory of all the things that need to be fixed, upgraded and replaced. I noticed on our trip back from Iowa that there seemed to be some "slop" in the suspension while driving over expansion joints in the freeway. I'm not sure if this is normal or if the shocks need to be adjusted or replaced. I came across an article which compared the different shocks that are available and was surprised at their findings. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has had some experience with this. Here's the article:
Shock Therapy: RV Shock Absorber Test

Sven

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #1 – July 22, 2016, 07:17:56 pm

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – July 22, 2016, 07:13:27 pm

Here's the article:
Shock Therapy: RV Shock Absorber Test

I recall this article and the fact that the highest "marks" were given to the brands of shocks that Camping World (part of same parent company as MH "Adgazine") sold at the time. What a coincidence....

Motorhome magazine is not unbiased in their reviews. Just sayin'.....

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #2 – July 22, 2016, 07:19:10 pm

use search function on forum - lots of shock discussion - most of us have gone to Koni FSD's as the shock of choice

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #3 – July 22, 2016, 07:50:38 pm

What color are the shocks?

If Koni, that will tell us if they are adjustable or FSD's.

Red/brown are adjustable. Check first for leaking oil (not just damp, but leaking). Also check that the bushings are OK.

If both checks are fine: KONI NA | Adjustment Guides

Yours are likely 88 series (if red/brown), and would be easily adjustable if removed.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #4 – July 22, 2016, 09:00:34 pm

Most of us have read that article,the date is 2009,read all the posts on the forum about the fsd konis.I just put the fsd's on my coach
they weigh about twice as much as the bilstiens.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #5 – July 23, 2016, 12:14:13 am

Just went through that evolution. 6 of 8 of mine were leaking. Replaced all with Koni FSD. Big difference!

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #6 – July 23, 2016, 06:27:37 am

When I evaluated the effort involved in adjusting my Koni's when my coach was younger than yours(but was experiencing porpoising over expansion joints, I went with FSD's.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #7 – July 23, 2016, 09:32:20 am

Just installed Koni FSD on my '96 270, huge improvement!

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #8 – July 23, 2016, 09:53:58 am

Quote from: jclark93 – July 23, 2016, 09:32:20 am

Just installed Koni FSD on my '96 270, huge improvement!

One word......."smooth"

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #9 – July 23, 2016, 12:28:08 pm

Adjusted my old konis twice. Better. Stiff on square edges.

Replaced with FSD's. Same or better stability. Much better on square edges.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #10 – July 23, 2016, 01:29:23 pm

Yup, FSD's have less dampening over small, sharp bumps and more over the large ones than any previous shock.

Two sets of valves says it can both ride smoother AND handle better over the big ones.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #11 – November 02, 2016, 04:24:57 pm

For those of you who have gone to Koni FSD's, did you have those installed by Foretravel? I am in Jonesboro, Arkansas and trying to figure out my best option for installation. I am experiencing porpoising and hope that installation of the Koni's will help.
Thanks,
Greg

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #12 – November 02, 2016, 04:50:54 pm

Quote from: greghaag – November 02, 2016, 04:24:57 pm

For those of you who have gone to Koni FSD's

We have them......smooth as silk. My files don't show if there were any bracket modifications by the PO, but, if the locals don't get it, go somewhere where some smart cookies do business. I'd never run another shock, ever!

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #13 – November 02, 2016, 05:17:49 pm

Greg,

No issues with installing the Koni FSD's on your coach. They are a direct fit. Just muscle. Certainly not something you have to go to Foretravel/ an RV dealer for.

Been there, done that.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #14 – November 02, 2016, 05:29:24 pm

Greg,
The Foretravel specification sheet for a 2008 Nimbus shows Koni FSD shocks as standard equipment.
Larry

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #15 – November 02, 2016, 06:20:37 pm

Greg,

How many miles on your coach? Are any shocks leaking? You could have someone local disconnect your shocks at the bottom bracket and check for shock action. Maybe you only have a few that have failed.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #16 – November 02, 2016, 06:32:34 pm

The taller heavier more high center of gravity late coaches may well not work the same with the same FSD's as the early coaches.

My fsd's are not highly dampened. I build dirt bikes and am very sensitive to suspension and shocks and tires most would not notice.

Or you have worn ones which I doubt.

Does an 07 nimbus have independent front suspension?

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #17 – November 02, 2016, 08:11:05 pm

Quote from: amos.harrison – November 02, 2016, 06:20:37 pm

Greg,

How many miles on your coach? Are any shocks leaking? You could have someone local disconnect your shocks at the bottom bracket and check for shock action. Maybe you only have a few that have failed.

About 60,000. Not sure whether they are leaking. I am not sure how long they should last?

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #18 – November 02, 2016, 11:32:53 pm

Greg,

Several shock checks:

1. Check visually for leaking hydraulic fluid (not damp, but a real leak).
2. Check the bushings for wear.
3. Check for proper dampening-- drive over parking lot speed bump at regular/low speed. If any axle bounces more than 1.5 times, the shocks are not doing their job.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #19 – November 03, 2016, 07:28:32 am

Thanks Brett!

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #20 – November 03, 2016, 08:36:48 am

Will a tag axel adjustment help?

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #21 – November 03, 2016, 09:33:50 am

Quote from: John Duld – November 03, 2016, 08:36:48 am

Will a tag axel adjustment help?

It depends. If weight distribution is improved, yes, ride and handling will improve.

In an ideal world (not going to happen) each axle will carry the same PERCENT of its GAWR. Rarely does this happen, as most tags carry a lower percent than front and drive.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #22 – November 03, 2016, 10:49:46 am

I would verify what shock you have first.Also take a shock off and see how it compresses,on my 96 the Bilsteins did not leak but
the FSD'S still made a huge difference.

I installed my own but if I was paying someone to change them I would find a ma and pa auto repair and use them,probably
less then $115 an hour.The only fly in the soup would be they would not have a flat rate for the job.

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #23 – November 03, 2016, 11:15:48 am

I replaced the four shocks on my Safari and had to use a strong impact gun to remove the nuts. I looked at the Foretravel shocks and found a number that would be extremely difficult to remove due to the limited space around them. I'm guessing it would take a 3-4' breaker bar with a 3/4" drive. Has anyone removed eight shocks on their coach or observed a shop do it?

Re: Replace shocks?

Reply #24 – November 03, 2016, 11:23:31 am

Removed all mine myself,used an impact,had to remove rear left outer wheel because the sewer line was in the way,took a couple
of days to do job,the fsd's are easier because of no gas so you can compress.

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