Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

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Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

September 17, 2020, 10:53:16 pm

Does anybody have a recommendation for a quality suspension shop in California? We just purchased a 2013 Ih-45, that only had 52k miles. Before our purchase at MOT, we had the coach inspected at the FT factory. FT listed things that needed repair, but the suspension never was mentioned on the list. So much for my $1,200 inspection.

Unfortunately, while traveling home through Oregon, I stopped at Kaiser Suspension in Eugene; they conducted an inspection because we developed uneven wear on my tag while traveling, and I discovered that our suspension in the front and rear is shot. It's not an emergency, but the needs to be repaired soon enough. The Pitman and idler arms have 1/8" play in them, the Panhard bar bushings are cracked, and axil seals are leaking, to list a few items needing to be addressed.

Unfortunately, Kaiser was booked-out two months, and I had to get home to California. I'm hoping not to drive back up to Oregon and have the work done here if there is a quality shop. This has been a learning experience for us so far and we are trying to enjoy the journey.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #1 – September 17, 2020, 11:06:10 pm

I am sure there are other shops that members might suggest but here is one I found on Google

Redlands Truck and RV Maintenance and Repair Service

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #2 – September 17, 2020, 11:10:26 pm

Check the factory service location page - see if any place looks promising.

FORETRAVEL

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #3 – September 18, 2020, 12:03:30 am

Hi Rodney,

Not sure where you live but I take my 2013 FT to https://www.interstatefleetmaintenance.com/

They do all of the maintenance on my FT and also maintain a fleet of big rigs for a family business. Also another member on this site just had the top end rebuilt on his 400 ISL. Interstate is located in South Gate. Ask for Carlos Knox, he owns the facility. They have a full machine shop and do heavy towing as well.

Pat

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #4 – September 18, 2020, 12:10:31 am

Interesting that a 2013 at 52k needed that much work. Lots of loads it seems. You seem to be stressing similar parts that most of us have much more,

Oh well. Mention Bay Area for the service advise

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #5 – September 18, 2020, 12:16:59 am

I have an expert Frame & Axle shop in San Diego.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #6 – September 18, 2020, 12:19:03 am

Thank you. I'm in the Silicon Valley in Northern California but I'm willing to drive south to So Cal if necessary.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #7 – September 18, 2020, 12:31:41 am

Do some Google searches in your area. Lots of trucks travel up the 5 freeway. Here is one in Stockton give them a call.

Hewitt Alinement – Legendary alignment and suspension service from a name...

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #8 – September 18, 2020, 12:34:15 am

Temecula rv is a .foretravel specific service center. Never been there as I use the Cummins dealer in San Clemente but for chassis work on a 2013 I would be tempted to try them. Lots of good feedback posts here for them

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #9 – September 18, 2020, 12:51:02 am

Call Colton Truck terminal garage in Colton , Ca. They come highly recommended by a former member here. I would use them if they were closer to San Diego.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #10 – September 18, 2020, 07:37:27 am

San Jose FJM Truck &Trailer Center | San Jose, CA | Trailer Dealer

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #11 – September 18, 2020, 12:43:00 pm

Think I would get another opionion,how did it ride on the way home?,1/8 inch play is alot,would be all over the road.If by panhard you mean the torque rods you would had have to have really abused it for those to be shot,where did the coach spend all it's time?
If you get another opionion try and go around with the inspector and see what he finds.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #12 – September 18, 2020, 12:51:48 pm

Even if the panhard bar bushings are cracked they should still be filling the void.

Cracked in only seven years and 52,000 miles?

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #13 – September 18, 2020, 01:06:43 pm

Quote from: RodneyN – September 17, 2020, 10:53:16 pm

Unfortunately, Kaiser was booked-out two months, and I had to get home to California. I'm hoping not to drive back up to Oregon and have the work done here if there is a quality shop. This has been a learning experience for us so far and we are trying to enjoy the journey.

Over 15 years experience with Kaiser, they are excellent. Often I would see fire trucks in there for suspension work. Two months out has most always been their norm. If you do not feel comfortable with local shop, maybe combine the trip with a trip to Oregon.
Kaiser Brake and Alignment, Inc., Brakes and ABS, Alignments, Suspension and...

Also this is an excellent closer shop in Grants Pass, Oregon:
Grants Pass RV and Auto Repair - Henderson's Line-Up Brake & RV Inc.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #14 – September 18, 2020, 01:36:27 pm

Quote from: Jack Lewis – September 18, 2020, 01:06:43 pm

Also this is an excellent closer shop in Grants Pass, Oregon:
Grants Pass RV and Auto Repair - Henderson's Line-Up Brake & RV Inc.

Henderson's is well know in RV suspensions...they develop a lot of their own products; if you're willing to go up north a bit, that's where I'd go..

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #15 – September 18, 2020, 08:49:28 pm

I stopped at HENDERSON'S LINE UP in Grants Pass on my way home. I felt very uncomfortable with them. The tech who drove my coach wrecked the back by driving too fast in a residential neighborhood by going over the curb and crushing the rear fender. The tech also did not set the Air-Brake when he stopped and got, and the coach moved two feet before we were able to jump in a stop the roil. They did not even put the coach on a rack to diagnose it. They did not appear to check the complete suspension. They were asking me to send them the details from Kaiser to base their quote off of that... Overall, it was a very unprofessional experience.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #16 – September 18, 2020, 09:38:19 pm

I thought Henderson's did mostly Class A gas suspension upgrades.

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #17 – September 19, 2020, 10:12:45 am

That's surprising to hear, last time I dealt with them (previous Safari coach) they were on top of everything...though it has been a few years ago..

Re: Need Suspension Shop Recommendation in California

Reply #18 – September 19, 2020, 11:36:51 am

Pretty easy to condemn a shop for the actions of ONE employee. I would have suggested going right to Robert Henderson with this.

Sometimes the luck of the draw on what tech works on your coach (unless it is you-- then you KNOW (for better or worse)!