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Ride Height Valve Problem

Yahoo Message Number: 34991
Recently we had a ride height valve fail and had it replaced by a mechanic while we left the coach at a campground near Williamsburg, VA after the failure. We were not there when the valve was replaced.
When we returned to take the coach home, thinking all was well, I found a vibration and a loud noise when running at 35/40 mph. I stopped the coach and had it towed to a Freightliner Service Center near Richmond. VA. The coach is there now and I hope the valve can be adjusted so I can safely drive the coach. The new valve has the rear end of the coach elevated to high. The tow truck driver says the adjustment to the value should be all that is needed.

Any thoughts would help. I am not sure about how willingly the Freightliner dealer is going to treat us. The dealer is VA Truck Center in Richmond, VA. I have read that height adjustment valve failure on the CC is not uncommon. I have also read that most truck centers should be able to address this matter without any difficulty.

Thanks for your help.
Dave

'98 Allure
#30228

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 34993
Dave couple of questions; which valve failed? What did they use as a replacement? I have a coach that is probably just like yours. I have had a lot of problems with these valves until I started ordering my replacements from CC. I use the blue composite models but some use a metal replacement. I think either works fine. I carry a spare and also a spare linkage kit. They are not very expensive. Replacement is simple and one can do it themselves. Back the coach up on couple of blocks just so you have working room. Make sure you block the wheels so coach can't move fore or aft. Tools required are minimal. 7/16's, 1/2 inch and a screwdriver are about what it takes. You make the adjustment after replacement with the engine running and the suspension in travel mode. Your spec at the rear is 7.5 inches from the bottom of the frame to the horizontal weld on the axle housing. There have been a lot of posts on this forum through the years that provide tremendous insight on this issue. Even if you have someone else do it you should be paying close attention to what they are doing and if you have the right info you can provide them some direction if they are unsure of what they are doing.
Ron

98 Allure 30185

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 34995
Ron,

It was the rear valve that failed. I am not sure about the replacement valve. The mechanic got the replacement valve based upon the one he took off using the number on the old value as the point of departure. The mechanic who did the work works as a full=time mechanic for Peterbuilt. The Peterbuilt parts department located the valve.

The tow truck driver told me he thought the valve may have been put on in the incorrect position. If so, that should be easy to correct at the service center.

I will take your advice and get a spare valve. Do you have a replacement part number that you used with CC.

dave

Quote from: Ron Schonscheck\[br\
] > > Dave couple of questions; which valve failed? What did they use as a > replacement? I have a coach that is probably just like yours. I have > had a lot of problems with these valves until I started ordering my > replacements from CC. I use the blue composite models but some use a > metal replacement. I think either works fine. I carry a spare and

also

Quote
a spare linkage kit. They are not very expensive. Replacement is > simple and one can do it themselves. Back the coach up on couple of > blocks just so you have working room. Make sure you block the

wheels so

Quote
coach can't move fore or aft. Tools required are minimal. 7/16's, 1/2 > inch and a screwdriver are about what it takes. You make the

adjustment

Quote
after replacement with the engine running and the suspension in travel > mode. Your spec at the rear is 7.5 inches from the bottom of the frame > to the horizontal weld on the axle housing. There have been a lot of > posts on this forum through the years that provide tremendous

insight on

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 34998
I'll find that number for you. I might have to go up to the coach and look at the box. We are up in the mountains and we have gotten about a foot of snow today so it will probably be tomorrow. Also order an extra link kit from CC. Not to expensive and handy if needed. You can also just call CC and order these parts. They will know what you need. The valves are kind of generic too and there are different ones that will work as long as they are hooked up correctly and the ride height is correct. A couple of years ago I had one replaced in Tucson. It was an oddball but it is still working fine on the left rear so go figure.
Ron

watkinsdl1 wrote:

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 34999
Dave,

When we had our ride height valve replaced it was the Haldex 90554241 Height control valve and cost $104 @ NAPA.

Jeff Fine

2002 Intrigue 11433

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35050
Jeff,

Thanks so very much for the information. I'll get in touch with NAPA and see if I can get the value. Did you replace the rear value with the NAPPA valve?

Thanks again.
dave

Quote from: jeffefine

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35070
Dave,

The rear ride height valve was the one that was replaced (driver's side). It was replaced at Buddy Gregg, Knoxville, May 2003, with the Haldex FLP 90554241. This is the same one that was sold at NAPA at the time.

Four and half years later and full timing....No problems...Knock on wood.

Jeff Fine

2002 Intrigue 11433

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35074
Jeff,

Thanks. I found the Haldex valve on the Internet sold by Ryder Fleet Products for $100.00. Right now the coach is being serviced at a Freightliner Truck Center in near Richmond, VA - CoachNet had the coach towed to the center.

I am less than pleased with the service I'm getting. I'll know more after the valve is replaced.
dave

Quote from: jeffefine
Dave,

The rear ride height valve was the one that was replaced (driver's > side). It was replaced at Buddy Gregg, Knoxville, May 2003, with the > Haldex FLP 90554241. This is the same one that was sold at NAPA at the > time.
> Four and half years later and full timing....No problems...Knock on

wood.

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35077
Haldex has an announcement saying they phased out the 90554241 ride height valve. Is it now made by a different company and is the model that CC used still available?

See, you might have to copy and paste the link into the URL address block:
http://www.hbsna.com/Documents/Product%20Bulletins/Air% 20Suspension/Air_Suspension-Phase_Out_Immediate_Response_(IR) _Valves_L20538_4-07_web_only.pdf
Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35091
Be very careful working under your CC, especially if it involves the air system. A tech was killed one year at the FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia. He was standing bent over a tire trying to work on the chassis in the wheel well. He took an air line loose causing the coach to bottom out the suspension.
I work under my coach with the suspension in the high position which gives me enough room to work on a creeper, but I use four-ton jack stands on the frame channels at the front and rear as a precaution. I have to put wooden blocks under them to get them high enough to reach. If an air line or air bag were to spontaneously fail without the jack stands, you can imagine the consequences.

George Harper
04 Allure
31093

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35109
Thanks for this useful information regarding the Haldex valve replacement. I will share the link and a copy of the pdf document with the service center that is doing the valve replacement work on our coach.

Yesterday CC Parts confirmed the use of the Haldex Valve as a replacement for the failed valve. They had trouble finding the part number until I gave them the number Jeff gave me in this thread.
As it turned out, the VA Truck Center actually had the valve in stock.
Now if they can get it installed properly so we can get back on the road.

If it were not for this discussion thread, I don't know where we'd be on this valve problem. Thanks to all who have helped.

dave

'98 Allure
30228

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35136
Called Haldex today (800-643-2374) and was told that Haldex FLP 90554241 IR HCV (Immediate Release Height Control Valve) is now replaced with the 90555105 valve.

The new model made of plastic replaces the older model made of metal-zinc. If you are replacing 1 valve, the technician recommended replacing all. There is a slightly different air flow time differential, that shouldn't be a problem unless you're operating a dump truck. All other dimensions seem to be the same. And, this part is found at NAPA, CC, or call the above number for the store nearest you.

Jeff Fine

(trying to stay on the level)
2002 Intrigue 11433

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35161
Jeff,

Once again thanks for the good help. I will keep the information you've provided in the coach as a reference should we have ride height problems again.

We now have the coach back from the VA Truck Center in Richmond, VA.
As you noted, it is advisable to have all 3 valve replaced - not just the rear one that went bad. This is what we did and we're right to do so. Each of the other values had significant cracks in them and truly needed to be replaced. Also, the fittings to the valves we're replaced. The new valves are Haldex and I will check to see if they are the new ones you speak about. The work to replace all three was extensive and costly. We were not pleased with the intial cost, but after serious discussion with the folks at the VA Truck Center, we came to a reasonable amount - so we think. The Center was in touch with County Coach as they did the work but we're not pleased with the response they got. I'm not sure what that means.

Nonetheless, we have our coach back and she levels well, and we are pleased about that. If it had not been for your help with your initial post giving the information on the Haldex valve, we could still be having a problem. Thanks again.

dave

'98 Allure
30228

Quote from: jeffefine
Called Haldex today (800-643-2374) and was told that Haldex FLP > 90554241 IR HCV (Immediate Release Height Control Valve) is now > replaced with the 90555105 valve.

The new model made of plastic replaces the older model made of > metal-zinc. If you are replacing 1 valve, the technician recommended > replacing all. There is a slightly different air flow time > differential, that shouldn't be a problem unless you're operating a > dump truck. All other dimensions seem to be the same. And, this part > is found at NAPA, CC, or call the above number for the store nearest

you.

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35173
Question

Where were the cracks in the valves ? You said they all had crack ? That's unbelievable.... really.
Just for the record if there was over 3 hours labor to replace the valves, as the coach was 1) already raised 2) air system drained 3) all tools there after first valve replaced 4) the easiest one is the front...20 minutes tops.
Was the replacement valve metal or composite housing ? AL

00 affinity #5851

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35174
Dave, Is there any chance of getting a picture of the bad valves and where they were cracked at? It would be nice to see exactly what one would be looking for. I would suspect that they have already been pitched but if you haven't.
Thanks

Rich 97 Affinity 5384

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35192
Al,

Yes, all 3 valves had cracks. The rear and one of the front valves had a crack where the major airline attaches to the valve. In fact the airline on the rear valve became disconnected because of the crack. The crack allowed the line to become loose and disconnect.
When inspecting each value it was obvious that there were numerous cracks in each. I am not sure each crack caused air leakage, But there were cracks that ultimately could cause problems.
As soon as I get more time, I will post the exact workup of what the service center did to replace the valves (3) and the associated work.

Hope this helps.
dave

'98 Allure
#30228

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35199
Below is the description of the work done to replace the ride height adjustment valves. This was the write up from the VA Truck Center where the work was done. Some asked if I'd take pictures of the old valves. I will do this ASAP and post them. I cannot guarantee the quality of the photos. Also, if anyone wants to view the parts list and costs associated with the work, email me with a fax number, and I'll get the information to you.

-------

From the VA Truck Center - Richmond, VA
Checked suspension - found valve in rear not functioning properly and air dropping off of rear at times - applied shop air to system - rear leveling valve would not adjust when air was applied to the valve - replaced the valve and set ride height to specifications - removed shop air and reconnected chassis supply air - rear air ride would work intermittently - checked when system was deflated and found no air supply to leveling valve or rear air manifold - traced air line to pressure protection valve in wet tank - removed line to rear and found no air coming from that port - removed air line to front and found air coming from valve - replaced the pressure protection valve and rechecked for air to the rear leveling valve and to the manifold - ok - raised m/h & set wheels on blocks to get to suspension valves had to manually air up rear valve to set linkage & ride height got suspension adjusted & working correctly install drive shaft & road tested working ok but r/ frt sus. valve leaking raise m/h & found both frt sus. valves were cracked replace both valves & adjust & reset reroad tested ok ----------
dave

'98 Allure
#30228

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35201
Question they say both front valves but you should only have one front valve, unless of course your coach was never modified correctly in the past? Please clarify this. Originally these coaches had two front valves and one rear but were factory modified to one front and two rear? Every one I have seen in this vintage has two in rear and one in front?
thanks
ron

98 Allure 30185

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35204
Ron,

I have a 1998 Intrigue which has one rear valve and two front valves as delivered from the factory.

Paul Resnick
Intrigue #10487
 

Re: Ride Height Valve Problem

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 35218
Ron,

I can only tell you that our coach had a single valve in the rear and 2 in the front. We are the second owners of the coach. I should add that when I spoke with a tech support person with CC in OR about the failure of the rear valve, he advised me to replace the 2 front valves in the near future. Needless to say, that been done -- somewhat by default.
dave

'98 Allure
30228

Quote from: Paul Resnick
>

Ron,
>    I have a 1998 Intrigue which has one rear valve and two front valves > as delivered from the factory.

Paul Resnick
            Intrigue #10487