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Looking through the paperwork with our Hymer S820 I notice that an advice note was issued with the last MOT. There were two points, the first was that there was minor pitting on the discs - this I put down to the motorhome standing for extended periods of time.
The second point was the front axle being close to the bumpstops - that would make sense because if we hit a pothole the front 'jars' terribly. So I thought I would have a look underneath and it does indeed look like the bumpstops are close - they actually go into a recess in the suspension arm. Whils looking I can't see a spring, either coil of leaf......OK I thought it must be torsion bar.....except I can't see a torsion bar either?
Questions:
1. What kind of springing do I have on the front?
2. Why is the front axle low on the bumpstops? (I am about 500kg under weight)
3. Can I fit some sort of assistance to the front - air bag etc??
______________________________________________________________ Everyone is entitled to my opinion!
The front spring is transverse and is made of some kind of composite material, if you google sprinter front suspension there is an Australian website with an in depth analysis of the front suspension setup and why its always low to the stops.
sorry cant help you with that one, dont have a problem with mine but its a 316 with a low profile body (less weight) and a long rear overhang to balance it out.
It may be that it is a similar problem to the rear suspension on my Fiat chassis. Fiat also describe the bump stop as part of the suspension, in reality when loaded and riding close to the bump stop the suspension travel is reduced and the axle hits the bump stop causing banging and crashing. The ride on mine was ruined by this.
I solved it by replacing the bump stop with a rubber suspension enhancement system from Ride Solutions, the company I gave you a link to in my earlier post.
There seems to be no shortage of suppliers of air suspension for the rear axle but nothing for the front axle.
Having looked under mine the front axle bumpstops are pretty much touching the lower wishbones.
someoneI know (an AA mechanic with 30 years serivce) suggests I jack the front up, taking the weight of the front wheels and see if the front spring springs back a bit!
______________________________________________________________ Everyone is entitled to my opinion!
At the last service at a Mercedes Commercial dealer I was told the front suspension was low, but not excessively so. ( I hadn't noticed any change in ride ). I asked what the solution was and was told that Mercedes fit a heavier duty front suspension to some of the sprinters particularly vehicles used as ambulances. This would cost about £600 parts and labour to fit.
I plan to have the suspension checked at the next service and decide then whether to have the heavier duty fitted. Given I have only done about £20,000 miles I would not be too pleased to have to fork out that money.
It may be that it is a similar problem to the rear suspension on my Fiat chassis. Fiat also describe the bump stop as part of the suspension, in reality when loaded and riding close to the bump stop the suspension travel is reduced and the axle hits the bump stop causing banging and crashing. The ride on mine was ruined by this.
I solved it by replacing the bump stop with a rubber suspension enhancement system from Ride Solutions, the company I gave you a link to in my earlier post.
Try them, it worked for me
I am in communication with these people - their product, Timbren Hollow Rubber Springs look interesting. They look very easy to fit.
Can you tell me what the cost was.
I think I might fit them to the rear as well as the front.
______________________________________________________________ Everyone is entitled to my opinion!
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