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Topic: HWH Suspension Air Manifold (Read 1721 times) previous topic - next topic

HWH Suspension Air Manifold

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 Lang
Crossville, TN
07 Nimbus

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #1 –
Quote from: John Lang –
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!!! 

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

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #2 –
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
John Lang
Crossville, TN
07 Nimbus

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #3 –
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.

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #4 –
Quote from: John Lang –
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,

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
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #5 –
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. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #6 –
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....
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #7 –
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 Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #8 –
Quote from: George Stoltz –
As a comparison, the manifold assembly from HWH for a 2000 with a single slide is $335 S&H was extra. 

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
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #9 –
Oops. Big goof on my part.
Yes. It was for the slide assembly.

Good catch.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #10 –
Quote from: John Lang –
I will talk to the service manager early on Monday and ask questions.

John,

I've been wondering how this is going.  Any news/updates?

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold

Reply #11 –
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.
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: HWH Suspension Air Manifold==Update

Reply #12 –
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
John Lang
Crossville, TN
07 Nimbus