Alko chassis (1 Viewer)

[kip]

Hello all, were in spain & driving to see friends in San Miguel de la salinas,when there was a sudden bang from the rear end.I intiallly thought I'd bottomed out on to the spare wheel casing due to a shallow dip in the road but after a short while noticed a scraping noise every time I went over a road hump.We have a Bessie 760 on an alko chassis. Just wondering if a torsion bar had snapped . There is no signs of sagging on one side & the ride feels normal. Any thoughts ??.

 

[hilldweller]

Quick thought - if the ride height appears normal then maybe something has snapped and dropped down, exhaust ?

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

Could the handbrake cable be snagged or a bracket bent and putting the brakes on slightly when going over bumps?

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[kip]

Quick thought - if the ride height appears normal then maybe something has snapped and dropped down, exhaust ?

I'll have a look first thing, did get underneath earlier but was looking for signs around chassis, didn't think to look at exhaust,thanks.

 

[kip]

Could the handbrake cable be snagged or a bracket bent and putting the brakes on slightly when going over bumps?

Will check that idea out first thing 2morrow,thanks.

 

[pappajohn]

Maybe ran over and picked up some road flotsam without seeing it.
I drove through a flooded section of road and ripped off the under body exhaust heat shield which dropped onto the propshaft causing a lot of noise.
Couldn't see it looking from the side and had to get it over my inspection pit.

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[kip]

Checked suggestions,all looks normal from the outside must be something hidden. Will book van into a local garage & take it from there.Fingers crossed nothing to major.

 

[Figaro]

Just wondering if a torsion bar had snapped

Maybe your first thought was correct ?

 

[pappajohn]

I would expect a lower side if a torsion rod had snapped, especially as motorhomes run all but fully loaded all the time..
Hope that's not the problem or you're looking at £1500 to £2000 plus fitting for a new axle.

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[kip]

I would expect a lower side if a torsion rod had snapped, especially as motorhomes run all but fully loaded all the time..
Hope that's not the problem or you're looking at £1500 to £2000 plus fitting for a new axle.

I fear you might be right,had chassis greased June last year but I expect the worst.I take it not a good idea to drive home before fixed if that's the case?

 

[pyro]

Didn't run over a moped by any chance?

Sorry, bad sense of humour. Good luck with the problem

 

[SandraL]

Hope its something simple but if not might be worth talking to
Fraser Brown Engineering. They repair alko axles
01862 851600
www.fraserbrowneng.co.uk
No experience of them ......

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[kip]

Thanks,I've seen a video of their work,just need to know if it's OK to drive it back home ?as we're in Spain at mo.

 

[SIFTA SAM]

I would give Fraser Brown Engineering a call on either 01862 851600 or Mob 07740 511615 and ask them?

Sorry, just read your Post Sandral

 

[dabhand]

Similar thing happened to me on return from Pembrey last year, couldn't find it at first, it turned out to be a piece of wire that had been harpooned by the front tyre into the fibreglass exterior locker and was dragging along the road!

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[TheBig1]

Thanks,I've seen a video of their work,just need to know if it's OK to drive it back home ?as we're in Spain at mo.

as far as I recall the torsion bar is actually made up from 4 flexing rods either side. What may of happened is just 1 or 2 have snapped leaving the weight carried by the rest. It could in theory go on for several thousand miles before failing further or indeed fail completely at any time going over a pothole or bump in the road
If you do decide to risk driving home for repair, just be sensible and drive with care

as said, a refurbished axle will be cheaper than buying a brand new one. companies like fraser brown engineering often have exchange units on the shelf, so turn around may be much faster

 

[kip]

as far as I recall the torsion bar is actually made up from 4 flexing rods either side. What may of happened is just 1 or 2 have snapped leaving the weight carried by the rest. It could in theory go on for several thousand miles before failing further or indeed fail completely at any time going over a pothole or bump in the road
If you do decide to risk driving home for repair, just be sensible and drive with care

as said, a refurbished axle will be cheaper than buying a brand new one. companies like fraser brown engineering often have exchange units on the shelf, so turn around may be much faster

Thanks big1 will take your advice.I'm with ADAC so will use them if needed. Cheers.