BASSMAN50
INDIANA
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Joined: 01/17/2008
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BASSMAN50 wrote:SKIPPERS_1 wrote:PandK wrote:Bassman50 - Mine sharing the approximate cost of the ball joint replacement? Did they do an alignment also? Would love to have Spartan do mine but thought they might be to high on cost.
I had mine done a few months ago $ 1675 with alignment front and rear
at spartan,
Rich
Same price here....I had some other stuff done also while I was here.
Just an update on the repair...ever since I had the Ball joints replaced at Spartan I had a bounce in the front end about 60-68 mph...I called spartan and was told it was the tires being out of balance nothing they did would cause a bounce. So I took the coach back to the place I purchased the tires and was told the passenger side steer tire was installed off center...They showed me where the lug nuts was located and sure enough you could tell on the passenger side their were about 1/8 of dirt on one side of the lug nut and about 3/8" on the other side. The driver side had about 1/4" of dirt all the way around...be sure if you have your wheels removed ask if they use a self centering tool to reinstall them. Made a huge difference...drives like it use to. Spartan is the last one to have the tires off...so it had to be them. The truck tire place even put on my receipt that the passanger front steer tire was found to be off center when it arrived at their shop.
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John & Angela
Full Timers in Canada, USA and Mexico
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RayChez wrote:Is this just a Spartan problem or are there other chassis builders that have the same problem.
Although I am sure other chassis using these components could have the problem the problem seems to be primarily with the Spartan IFS chassis. I have had to deal with a few of these in an advisory capacity and most of the bills seem to come in around 1800 to 2400.
My only advice would be to have it done somewhere local to you so you can bring it back if there is a problem with work. That way you don't have to pay twice.
2003 Revolution 40C Class A. 2002 Vanguard 22 foot Class C. Diesel smart car Toad or pulling a 2009 Timeout Tent Trailer.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but rather by the moments that take our breath away.
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TechWriter
On The Road
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Joined: 12/22/2002
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I may need mine replaced on my 2001 Newmar and got a quote from Precision Frame in MN. Lots of Newmar folks swear by these guys.
Precision quoted $2400, but that also includes 2, Koni adjustable shocks ($200 each) + wheel alignment.
2001 Newmar Mountain Aire 4095 DP
Full Timer since May 2013
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Phillerup
Usually Travelin' the USA
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Joined: 10/15/2002
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I will preface this by saying that chassis ball joints is something that I personally really don't know much about (never replaced one) and I rely on mechanics. I know simple things like oil and filters and such but not actual HD chassis stuff.
We have about 45K miles. 2003 Spartan Mountain Master. Last year we had ours in to a shop in Florida to have regular maintenance done. Spartan factory knew the shop. The shop is certified or trained by Spartan and also recommended by the Spartan factory if you talk to them about where to have service done. I had heard about these ball joints and was concerned so I asked the mechanic to check them. The mechanic that did the work was an older guy that works on motorhome chassis and engines almost everyday all day and pretty much has his whole life - and sees lots of Spartans of different MH manufacturers.
He jacked up the front end and checked them out for play and such as that. I don't know what all he did though. He said that the rubber boot was deteriorated some but not to worry unless a problem comes up. He said the the joints were fine. He also told me that he had seen motorhomes with this rubber the same shape with close to 100K miles and that they were still working fine. He also told me that to change them out that there was a special tool you had to get from the Spartan factory....that it was possible to borrow it and then send it back if it was ever needed...
I don't intend to go up there or spend 2 grand unless I have an actual problem. Although finding something that will protect the joint from grit and grime like the rubber boot did seems sensible. If somebody comes up with something easy please post it like Cloud Dancer did. Thanks.
2003 Newmar DSDP 4005 dual slide king bed Spartan 350 Cummins 2004 Jeep Liberty 4X4 tow, SeaEagle boat in basement
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chuckinthetruck
TN
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We have an 06 Essex on a Spartan that just turned over 21,000 our last trip. Guess I will be looking at mine when I get back in from work this week. Thanks to all the members who post, for all the helpful tips, ideas and maintenance issue info.
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krivanj
Fort Pierce, FL
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Joined: 04/18/2008
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Mine are exactly as Phillerup stated above. We have a different shop, same credentals, also in Florida, that told us the exact same thing. They have checked them two years in a row for us and grease them with a needle, and say they are good to go, no looseness. 56000 miles on a 2001 mountain master chassis...
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barnaclebill
Atlanta Michigan or towards the sun
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Joined: 03/09/2005
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I checked mine while greasing the chassis and found the ball joint rubbers deteriorated, I greased them with a grease needle and wrapped them with a bicycle inner tube (cut to width and length) and wrapped the whole thing with some velcro straps to hold the inner tube rubber in place. I took a trip of about 200 miles and they stayed in place perfectly. I can remove the velcro and regrease the ball joints if needed. Thats my "home remedy" before I spend around $2K
2003 41' Newmar Mountain Aire
400 Cummins
Jeep Liberty
Blue Ox Brake Buddy
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Jarlaxle
New England
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Ye gods...$2000 in front end work on 10 year old rigs with 30,000 miles. Ye gods. I knew I preferred a beam axle with kingpins for a reason.
As far as replacing the cover, has anyone looked at thee CV boots from something like a 3/4-ton 4WD Chevy truck, a Land Cruiser, or even something like a Hummvee? I recall those CV's were pretty substantial.
John and Elizabeth (Liz), with 3 nutty cats
My beloved St. Bernard, Marm, lost him 1/2/12
Current rig:
1992 International Genesis school bus conversion
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