height. Another option is to take the measurements, mark the position of each corner tire
and turn the motorhome around 180 degrees, park in the same marks facing the opposite
direction and check the four points again. An average of each reading should bring you close
to actual. Of course, you need to start this with an almost-level location. This won't work
very well if you do it on the side of a hill.
REAR:
The reason the rear ride height is important to us is because it can affect the handling.
Basically, the measurements should be the same side-to-side, just as the front. Before doing
anything, check the rubber bushings on the springs and shackles. Look for broken spring
leaves – evidence of a crack in the side of a leaf may be the only visible evidence without
complete disassembly of the springs. Also make sure there are no obvious broken mounts.
The U-bolts should be tight and not broken. Take a close look at the welds where the
shackles are attached to the frame and the shackles themselves. If one of these is broken or
loose, you will have handling problems. (You already checked the shocks and their mounts
and bushings, right?)
One last item to check before attempting to measure the ride height. You are looking for a
bent rear axle housing. Indications are found by noticing the inner dual tires wear more than
the outer ones. Also look for grease lube leaks at the bottom of the axle housing at the
differential. A split gasket near the bottom area almost always indicates an overload, or flex
and housing distortion, which destroys the gasket between the carrier and the housing.
Failed rear wheel bearings may be another possible indication to prompt a check for a bent
axle housing. They can also fail because of a lack of rear differential lube. (You didn't forget
to check this during the last lube did you?) A couple of potholes at high speed on a heavily-
loaded motorhome can do the trick. However, if the previous owner of the motorhome
took care of these leaks and replaced bearings, it is difficult to spot a bent housing except for
inner tire wear.
Also, since the wheel bearings are supplied with lube from the differential, make sure that it
Main Body Page 11 of 38 Total Pages
