Fiat suspension (1 Viewer)

[Stuartand paula]

Hi all,
Just been under my 2016 IH 630 FL pvc and noticed that the bump stops are sitting on the leaf springs is this right or should there be a gap between them ? Suggestions as to remedies if needed to solve problem? Thanks for your input!

 

[klaatu]

They are probably 'assisters' and that's how they should be, apparently. Make a cuppa and read this - http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/rear-rear-suspension-mot-failure.146532/

 

[Mikeco]

When you have read the posts go and fit air suspension. The amount that IH charge I'm surprised that it's not fitted as standard.

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[Stuartand paula]

Thanks klattu and mikeco,seems to be a grey area at mot time with regards to assisters or bump stop,will have to look into air suspension now that's going to haunt me trying to see which is the best option!?

 

[Mikeco]

Thanks klattu and mikeco,seems to be a grey area at mot time with regards to assisters or bump stop,will have to look into air suspension now that's going to haunt me trying to see which is the best option!?

If you own a spanner then buy the Dunlop kit from Marcle leisure and fit it yourself. It will also give you a more comfortable ride.

 

[mikebeaches]

When you have read the posts go and fit air suspension...

Mikeco, I'd be interested to hear first hand how air suspension improves the ride quality on a PVC. Can you explain exactly how the driving experience is different to the standard set up.

Many thanks, Mike

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[pappajohn]

No grey area....Fiat fit spring assisters to motorhomes.....and VOSA know it.

Spring Assister.

Bump stop.

 

[Stuartand paula]

Just been looking and some people say Rubena air bags don't leak like Dunlop views appreciated

 

[Mikeco]

Mikeco, I'd be interested to hear first hand how air suspension improves the ride quality on a PVC. Can you explain exactly how the driving experience is different to the standard set up.

Many thanks, Mike

When fully loaded our van was 3.5 ton and the suspension appeared and felt to be on its limit with very little movement in the shock absorbers and leaf springs. When I fitted the air suspension you could tell that the ride was much better. Also in my case and many other van conversions the van was not level, there was 25mm difference if you measured the space from the top of the tyre to the wheel arch, this was due to more weight on one side of the van. With the air suspension you could level the van up by putting a different pressure into each side.

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[Mikeco]

Just been looking and some people say Rubena air bags don't leak like Dunlop views appreciated

The Dunlop kit seemed to be decent quality to me.

 

[Stuartand paula]

I stand corrected papa john thanks for your input this is why I joined the site so people like you can help the uninitiated to sort these problems out

 

[mikebeaches]

When fully loaded our van was 3.5 ton and the suspension appeared and felt to be on its limit with very little movement in the shock absorbers and leaf springs. When I fitted the air suspension you could tell that the ride was much better. Also in my case and many other van conversions the van was not level, there was 25mm difference if you measured the space from the top of the tyre to the wheel arch, this was due to more weight on one side of the van. With the air suspension you could level the van up by putting a different pressure into each side.

When you describe the ride as 'much better', do you mean more compliant; or rides smoother over poor or uneven road surfaces?

The ride on all three Ducato-based vans we have owned has been harsh and 'thumps' over bumps. We keep the tyres as soft as permitted, but it's still like travelling in a cart. Which in turn induces additional internal creaks and rattles.

I know it's a commercial van; the problem is it feels like it! Would air suspension 'smooth' the ride?

As an aside, I think each newer version of the Ducato we've owned has felt more car-like to drive as far as brakes and steering are concerned, just not the suspension.

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[keith]

Had Dunlop fitted a few years ago, best thing I ever did it's been brilliant, so much better than the assists fitted by original maker be it Fiat or others.

 

[Mikeco]

When you describe the ride as 'much better', do you mean more compliant; or rides smoother over poor or uneven road surfaces?

The ride on all three Ducato-based vans we have owned has been harsh and 'thumps' over bumps. We keep the tyres as soft as permitted, but it's still like travelling in a cart. Which in turn induces additional internal creaks and rattles.

I know it's a commercial van; the problem is it feels like it! Would air suspension 'smooth' the ride?

As an aside, I think each newer version of the Ducato we've owned has felt more car-like to drive as far as brakes and steering are concerned, just not the suspension.

It would definitely improve the ride, trust me I'm not a doctor

 

[Stuartand paula]

Thanks for all the help just need to pry some money out of swmbo and wait for a dry day?

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[gus-lopez]

No grey area....Fiat fit spring assisters to motorhomes.....and VOSA know it.

Spring Assister.

View attachment 146595

Bump stop.

View attachment 146596

What's the jack doing ? space for the mot ?

 

[MikeD]

Mikeco, I'd be interested to hear first hand how air suspension improves the ride quality on a PVC. Can you explain exactly how the driving experience is different to the standard set up.

Many thanks, Mike

We have fitted air assistance to both our Fiat chases motorhomes. The Autotrail FB tracker was not a nice drive on a motorway in a stiff cross wind. Totally transformed when the Air suspension was fitted.

No wobbling about, better ride and not pushed around as much by lorries.

Only drove my new IH about a hundred miles before Dave Newell again fitted Dunlop air assistance.

I would not have a Fiat without air assistance now.

 

[MikeD]

What's the jack doing ? space for the mot ?

That rubber bit do look a bit knackered.

ps: I naturally hesitate to give it a name -

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[tonka]

Fiat Ducato air suspension... ebay £279

If your a cheapskate like me.. Works fine...
Link Removed

Fitted on my Autotrail apache 700..

 

[treetops1]

On some Fiat Ducati models ,the rear axel goes through the alko chassis and air suspension needs to be fitted by a garage

 

[Stuartand paula]

Tonka did you have to take off the spring clamp bolts to fit the kit?
Treetops the vehicle is a pvc thanks

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[pappajohn]

What's the jack doing ? space for the mot ?

Looks like the assisters falling to bits.
Obviously jacked up to give clearance for removing it.....cos it's meant to sit on the spring

 

[tonka]

Tonka did you have to take off the spring clamp bolts to fit the kit?
Treetops the vehicle is a pvc thanks

All you do is unscrew the "bump stop"...

The kit fits between the spring clamp bolts. See the ebay listing as it shows several pictures.
Only minor downside, the air gauge looks a bit cheap and DIY BUT does the job.
My issue was a "saggy back end" and occassional grounding due to a long overhang.

 

[Minxy]

I saw those kits on Ebay too but thought the same about the compressor air connection points ... with no gauge that I could see in the photos ... not difficult to buy one to add to it though.

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[Stuartand paula]

As per tonkas suggestion just ordered the same kit and asked for two gauges and extra pipe(10mtrs) so I can have separate control of each air bag,measured the wheel arch measurement and 20 mm diferance at rear so maybe more air in one than the other? Liked this kit because you don't have to mess about with the rear spring hanger bolts as it's still under warranty,and didn't want to fall foul of fiat rules.Thanks for all the help you all have give

 

[tonka]

I saw those kits on Ebay too but thought the same about the compressor air connection points ... with no gauge that I could see in the photos ... not difficult to buy one to add to it though.

It has a Gauge... Not a neat and tidy as say the Airide version but certainly does the job and if I come across a better one and can be bothered I may change it. The set up is that it inflates both bags and that suits me as I just wanted lift..
I know some people do use them to level the van front to back, not something i every bothered with on my previous van that had air suspension.

This is the kit..

 

[Minxy]

Thanks Tonka, I couldn't see a gauge in their advert on Ebay. Is there any reason why you have to run the pipes through to the front of the van? Couldn't they just be terminated in the rear instead, say in the garage/rear locker etc, to save having the faff of installing them the full length?

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[tonka]

Thanks Tonka, I couldn't see a gauge in their advert on Ebay. Is there any reason why you have to run the pipes through to the front of the van? Couldn't they just be terminated in the rear instead, say in the garage/rear locker etc, to save having the faff of installing them the full length?

No reason why you can't put in rear locker. Just think about how you will blow up, I just use a footpump, put it on the cab step and use my hand to use the pump. Think because my previous van had it fitted there I just did the same.

 

[trophychap]

If those Air Bags are linked together it could be a potential disaster in the making when you turn a corner and the bag under compression transfers all its air to the other bag . It will accentuate body roll. They should be piped individually to avoid this.

 

[tonka]

If those Air Bags are linked together it could be a potential disaster in the making when you turn a corner and the bag under compression transfers all its air to the other bag . It will accentuate body roll. They should be piped individually to avoid this.

It's a 4 tonne van not a loaded 30 tonne tipper wagon..
I very much doubt that cornering (safely) in a tall motorhome exerts that much extra load..
Lets just say between my old van and this one I have done about 40,000 miles with that combination and I am still here to drink the beer..
I get your theory but doubt the result in practice..

The Airide (twice the price) has two seperate feeds BUT from memory I recall they say to leave both taps open so that does the same thing. To modify this one to a two feed system would be a simple process just some piping and another gauge or switch system.

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