Yahoo Message Number: 100253 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100253)
All,
Allure 430 - 2004 build / 2005 model
Now resident in the UK
Holland independent front suspension
An over zealous 'grease monkey' (mechanic / technician) decided that if there were grease nipple (zerk) fittings on the upper and lower knuckle joints of the suspension, that they obviously required regular greasing - with his air driven grease gun!! - whilst he was greasing everything else
As a result, the rubber O-rings that 'protect' the bearings have 'exploded' / broken
Have spoken with SAF Holland over here in the UK - who following contact with SAF in the US advise that the parts have been obsolete since 2008 - although I note that Newey (who I believe acquired Holland) still manufacture a very similar looking suspension
Have enquiries in with Kevin W and CC at present but just wondering if someone else has encountered the same 'efficiency' and an after market solution to replacement O-rings
Am guessing that the O-rings are a generic part - but would appreciate help in tracking down the correct size / shape / supplier etc
Am keen not to go too far without the O-rings properly protecting the bearings as it could get expensive
Thanks in anticipation
Ian S.
2005 Allure 430 Hood River # 31321 Cat C9 400bhp
Yahoo Message Number: 100256 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100256)
Hi Ian, I always thought it was stupid to put zerk fittings on the steering knuckles if you didn't want people to use them!! I looked in the Holland Neway maintenance manual and found the O-Rings, but it did not give a part number or size it just said "See OEM". Someone (cannot remember who) on the site had the same problem, and said when he talked to Holland Neway, they said just continue greasing the fittings at the same intervals as the other fittings. Maybe who ever it was will read your post and respond.
Earl Densten
03 Intrigue 11554
Yahoo Message Number: 100267 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100267)
Ian
I have a Holland-Neway independent front suspension, and I popped one of the 0-rings on mine too several years ago. I spoke with a Holland-Neway engineer who advised me that it was not really necessary to replace the O-ring. Now you just have to keep greasing the affected bearing like you would any other application. The grease fittings were only used once at the factory to fill the bearings with grease. Then the O-rings would hopefully make the bearings permanently lubricated. It obviously was a bad idea to leave the zerk fittings in place. They should have used a plug instead.
You are concerned about the expense of replacing the bearings if they go bad, but you will encounter almost the same expense if you replace the O-ring. Jut continue greasing it and you will be fine. At least I have been for seven or eight years now.
George Harper
04 Allure 31093
Yahoo Message Number: 100339 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/100339)
Earl / George
Thanks for your replies / experiences / solutions - guess I shall just have to keep pumping grease in
Still hoping Kevin or CC might come back with a part number / source in due time
Thanks again
Ian S.
2005 Allure Hood River #31321
Cat C9