The Process
The first step to maintaining proper vehicle handling is through the regular inspection and
replacement of suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends and just about everything else
that makes up the front and rear end suspensions of the motorhome.
The second step is to perform a suspension alignment. Sounds straightforward enough, but
the P Chassis has been given a reputation for not handling very well, even after an alignment
has been done. The catch seems to be that many of the motorhomes experiencing drivability
problems have old, worn, saggy parts. Sound familiar? Not only that, but there doesn't seem
to be a lot of expertise out there in alignment shops for this chassis. In other words, you
have to take the ball in your own hands and verify everything is checked and in good shape
BEFORE an alignment is performed, even to the point where YOU supply the alignment
specs to the alignment shop.
Let's go through the process in a step-by-step manner. Read through once to get the picture.
Then start to get 'er done.
Worn Parts
Make sure that worn parts are replaced, everything is tight, everything is there and a proper
lube job has been done. What worn parts?
1. Ball joints
2. Tie rod ends
3. Steering relay rods
4. Damper (that horizontal shock)
5. Steering gear
6. Shock absorbers
7. Loose control arms
8. Loose or missing stabilizer bar attachments
9. Front wheel bearings
10.Bushings, including those on the torsion bars – front and rear.
11.Air bags properly inflated
12.Spring problems
Some details:
Before you attempt to crawl under the front end for inspection, it might be worthwhile to
take a trip to the local car wash where you can use a high pressure spray to knock off the
gunk. Steam cleaning, solvent and elbow grease are alternatives. Don't forget goggles to
protect your eyes and wear junky clothes. Don't point that high-pressure spray directly on
the air bags and any hoses or any part of the radiator. You can drill right through, just like
you can drill through your own hand if you point it incorrectly. Don't forget to clean the rear
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