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Topic: Chassis Issues? (Read 613 times) previous topic - next topic

Chassis Issues?

We purchased a 1996 U295 about two years ago.  Being new to the coach world we didn't know the issues that could come with it.  It had less than 40K miles on it when we bought it and now has about 42K.  It had a horrible vibration in the rear at higher speeds which we weren't sure but thought it might be normal.  We are newbies and we're still learning.  On our first trip out, the starter fell out while we were in motion and left us stranded on the side of the interstate.  Upon further inspection, the bell housing was cracked all the way around and had cracked at the bolts holding the starter in place.  The bellhousing was replaced to the tune of about $11K.  We were suckered, I know.  The vibration never stopped so we took it to an Allison transmission specialist and the p3 bearing was tightened up but was not replaced.  They said it didn't need it.  Still really bad vibration, so we took off the vibration dampener. Vibration is completely gone now.  Problem is that now the bellhousing is cracked again.  We were looking at replacing the problematic transmission but the Allison transmission specialist said we have a chassis problem and not a transmission problem.  We've never heard of this issue before.  Any advice from anyone?  It's greatly appreciated.

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #1 –
Not sure where you are located but if you can, go see Keith Risch in Nacogdoches. Keith wrote the book on these coaches.


‭(936) 462-3764‬

Risch RV
8946 US HWY 259
Nacogdoches TX 75965
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #2 –
We're in Georgia.  Thanks for the contact info.  I'm sure it won't hurt to give him a call. 

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #3 –
Check your vibration damper on the engine,may need a new one.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #4 –
Did you get any info from the PO as to any recent work done to the coach? Was it towed for any reason? Are you still in contact with the PO? In many cases, problems can be traced to faulty work done by a shop.

Was the vibration you experienced present on the first drive you took after buying it? If not, a gradual increase or sudden onset? Steady vibration or more when accelerating or coasting?

Just like a doctor, 1/3 are really on top of their game, 1/3 get by and the last 1/3 are poor and should not be practicing. And that's optimistic for a vehicle shop.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #5 –
I had a 1997 U295 for some 20 years and never had a bell housing crack so not sure what is going on there.

Have you had the tires balanced?  When I had bought an earlier model Grandvilla it had a bad vibration. After going to a number of tire shops over a year, no one could fix the problem. I took it to a tire shop in South Houston on 288 and they found the problem. The previous owner had put sand or something in the tires to help balance them. The material had gotten wet, I guess from airing them up with wet air and the material clumped up. Once that was removed and tires rebalanced. I rode great.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #6 –
We've never had the tires balanced so that will probably be on the to do list.

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #7 –
We don't know if it's ever been towed before.  I think we're the fourth owner.  The previous owner didn't have it long at all and the only repair he made was to the King Cruise Control.  The vibration was not noticed until we got up to highway speeds, around 70.

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #8 –
Has anyone checked the motor mounts for failure?  That can cause lots of problems it that area of the trans. as the bell housing can't stand that kind of force.

Mike

One other thought:

Have you pulled the drive shaft and checked the spline joint to see if it is free moving in/out?  If it has a bad spot not allowing for proper movement can cause lots of force also.

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: schnauzermama04 –
so we took off the vibration dampener. Vibration is completely gone now.  Problem is that now the bellhousing is cracked again.  We were looking at replacing the problematic transmission but the Allison transmission specialist said we have a chassis problem and not a transmission problem. 
Wow what a horrible deal you have. So the vibration dampener is the one towards the rear of the coach? I'm assuming you replaced it? Just want to make clearly sure your not talking about the retartder disc at the forward most part of the engine on the trans. There are a lot of salvage yards with coaches and since this doesn't happen that often you should be able to locate one.
With my coach its smooth as silk and if you can feel a vibration, probably in your feet it must be resolve or it will stress relieve itself as it has in the past. 
So the vibration issue is resolved?

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #10 –
I hate to hear horror stories like this. I can't for the life of me imagine a starter falling out. Any vibration needs to be thoroughly investigated and fixed. I hope you can get your problem(s) fixed and your coach road worthy. 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #11 –
Yup, a new one on me.  But I have only been around Foretravels for a little more than 25 years.

As Paul Harvey used to say: Waiting "FOR THE REST OF THE STORY".

Anyone who works on OTR trucks should be able to assist you.  The same engine and transmission are used in trucks. Only unique part is the air suspension/ride height which is easy to check and easy to adjust.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
I hate to hear horror stories like this. I can't for the life of me imagine a started falling out.

OP described the situation in a previous topic here - bellhousing cracks caused starter mounting failure

Cracked Bellhousing....Again
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: Chassis Issues?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Did you get any info from the PO as to any recent work done to the coach? Was it towed for any reason? Are you still in contact with the PO? In many cases, problems can be traced to faulty work done by a shop.

Was the vibration you experienced present on the first drive you took after buying it? If not, a gradual increase or sudden onset? Steady vibration or more when accelerating or coasting?

Just like a doctor, 1/3 are really on top of their game, 1/3 get by and the last 1/3 are poor and should not be practicing. And that's optimistic for a vehicle shop.
Pierce


Read up on Pareto Analysis, the 80-20 rules.  It applies to many things including mechanics. You can have some fun thinking about it!

Dennis
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #14 –
If the damper is the one on the trans that you removed you need to have it checked and/or get a new one,it's there for a reason.
You need to check or have checked every engine and trans mount,driveshaft and what exactly did the shop do with the P-3
bearing,did they remove it to check the race?Sounds like you have a problem with the starter housing and the bolts.If and when you call Keith he can only do what we are doing over the phone and will want to see the coach,on the subject of tire balance
you can air up the tires to the max and drive the coach and then air to minimum and if there is no difference in the vibration it is not the tires,we are located in Memphis and will be glad to look at the coach if you can make it here,have 50 amp.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #15 –
The motor mounts are good, not sure about the splines on the driveshaft.  Thanks for the tip on that. 

Re: Chassis Issues?

Reply #16 –
The first thing I think about when I have a viberation is the speed or cycle of it.  If the viberation is in the rear I would say that it is caused by something spinning/rotating.  Tires turn at different rpm of the drive shaft.  Parts inside of rear axle turn at another rpm.  In general is the viberation slow, medium, fast .....

Pat
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653