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2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

October 08, 2012, 05:40:35 pm

This coach has 116K miles. I just replaced the front shocks with Koni-reds and stiffened one complete turn at Koni's recommendation since we were having bad porpoising issues. This took care of the porpoising problem. The second problem still persists though. When you're driving and encounter a sudden drop and then back up quickly the sway bar with make a loud clanging or popping noise as though it is being torqed over it's limits.

This is a independent front suspension coach. Do both the straight axle and IFS act this way? The bushings look as though they are in OK shape. Any cure?

Any help is appreciated.  Thanks,  David

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Re: 2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

Reply #1 – October 08, 2012, 05:57:54 pm

I would think you're about at the limit on life of your shocks and bushings.  Did you run your shocks through their full travel when you adjusted them?  Did you check both bushings on each shock at that time?  I'd take apart the sway bar links and physically check each bushing.  Something has failed.

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Re: 2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

Reply #2 – October 08, 2012, 07:09:51 pm

Just check bushings on both shocks and sway bar.  No big deal.

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Re: 2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

Reply #3 – October 08, 2012, 08:50:06 pm

I probably was not clear on the shocks. We installed new ones and adjust those. Yes we fully compressed and then a slight turn to left, could then feel them drop into a groove. At that point, we made the full rotation clockwise.

Probably would be a good idea to just change the bushings on the sway bar. From both of your replies, it seems like that would be the only other item.

Thanks to both of you for your input. Will report back when we change out.


David

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Re: 2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

Reply #4 – October 08, 2012, 08:57:19 pm

David,

You should be able to look at the bushings to see if they are in need of replacement.  If so, be sure to go with polyurethane bushings.

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Re: 2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

Reply #5 – October 09, 2012, 08:16:45 am

Brett,

Will Foretravel have those in polyurethane? If not, what would be the source and how would you identify?

Thanks,

David

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Re: 2001 U320, 40', front sway bar clanging/over flexing

Reply #6 – October 10, 2012, 07:23:12 am

FT Parts won't have poly bushings-you'll have to search the aftermarket.  If the OEM bushings lasted 11 years, maybe that life for new ones is enough for you.

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