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while getting ready to remove tires and drums to look over brakes and to re-pack bearings on our 2020 351 that we bought in July of last year, I removed front and rear spring hanger bolts on right side. Discovered that both brass bushings are shot but no visible damage to bolts. Also noted that front spring packs on both sides are taking on a w shape with distortion showing up at spring pad/axle junction. There are 5 bolts on each side that fasten suspension to spring hangers and easy flex device. 3 are wet but spring hanger bolts are dry. I cannot understand why Dexter/Grand Design uses dry bolts and bushings in the spring hangers when every other suspension bolt is wet. In my opinion the spring pack distortion points to a too light spring pack that needs to be more substantial for the weight of the 5th wheel. The unit has about 7,000 miles on it from a trip to Alaska plus 1100 delivery miles to our purchase dealer in southern Idaho plus a 750 mile trip to bring it home. The only thing that has been in the garage are two bicycles and the 50 amp power cord so over weight is not an issue. Spring pack and axels are from Dexter. I notified dealer who was a bit wish washy and also contacted Grand Design. CS rep at GD was great and set up case number and requested pics of spring packs, axles and right side bolts and bushings. He also wants pics of left side suspension components but I can only do one side at a time. He has received requested pics and hope to hear from him tomorrow.
After sending pics, I took right side wheel/tire assemblies to local tire shop for balancing. While trying to balance one tire/wheel assembly, tire tech discovered that unit had severe run out (out of round). When he was spinning it up he said there was a lot of movement. It would have taken 14.5 oz to get tire balanced. He said wheel was true and problem was with tire. Had to purchase a new Saliun 14 ply tire. There was obviously a vibration issue which might explain why on the last day of our Alaska trip one glass shower pane shattered. Looks as though a tire warranty claim will be filed. Can’t wait until I get to the left side suspension components. Good news is that right side brake and bearing components are in great shape. Will replace spindle seals and re-pack bearings tomorrow.
After sending pics, I took right side wheel/tire assemblies to local tire shop for balancing. While trying to balance one tire/wheel assembly, tire tech discovered that unit had severe run out (out of round). When he was spinning it up he said there was a lot of movement. It would have taken 14.5 oz to get tire balanced. He said wheel was true and problem was with tire. Had to purchase a new Saliun 14 ply tire. There was obviously a vibration issue which might explain why on the last day of our Alaska trip one glass shower pane shattered. Looks as though a tire warranty claim will be filed. Can’t wait until I get to the left side suspension components. Good news is that right side brake and bearing components are in great shape. Will replace spindle seals and re-pack bearings tomorrow.
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