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Ride height valves/linkage

Yahoo Message Number: 67647
Hi All,

I was under our '01 Intrigue today and noticed that the actuator rods on the rear ride height valves were of different length by about 3/4".
Would this be normal? One of the valves has been changed the past. I am tempted to make them the same length prior to adjusting the ride height. Does this make sense?

Don Krahling

'01 Intrigue #11238

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67650
With the rods being positioned at opposing sides I would not be concerned. Are both ride height valves of the same material ? Some time back when the pot metal valves were failing they introduced composite body valves. Failure now, there seems to be very few. The internal components are of better quality, which was the issue with the pot metal type. One of the recommendations was that both valves on the rear be of the same material and replaced in pairs. If you are having any leak down( leaning) while parked you might consider replacement.
Adjusting ride height on the rear with in- specs and then fine tune the front. I have been reading posts where owners are favoring being on the hjgh end of adjustment range in front.
AL

00 affinity #5851

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67651
The valves appear to be metal--I have not removed either one. The system works fine-no leaning, etc. I am going to tweek the ride height adjustment though, just to get it to specs front and rear.

Thanks,
Don

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67652

On my coach the two valves were not even mounted in the same position. The only way to know for sure is to check the ride height while in travel mode.

Dave

aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67653
It would seem that if replacing one valve in the rear and the replacement is not identical in all operational characteristics to the original, then it would seem beneficial to replace both. Otherwise would it be possible to have one valve either opening at a different cycle point or even allowing more or less air flow when compared to the other side?
As I am not an authority, the following is more offered as a question. It seems that an up or down movement that is equal across the rear of the coach could produce a different amount of air flow to the left side or right side bags if the rotational movement of the valves are not essentially identical.
If the rotary actuators are not attached to the operating linkage at the same radius and with the actuators in the same rotational alignment then would the valve connected with the lesser radius and possibly at a different position in its arc, cause air to flow to its bags prior to the other valve? GBrown Allure 31447

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67655
Yes, Sir GB you are dead on with your operation. As most techs agreed that both valves should be the same. Failure of either suggested replacement of both rear valves.
As I recall the failure of pot metal valves, the early version was very high. I was the victim of a total failure at 65mph in Durant OK. The right rear body collapsed with a pop noise. The next happening was the fender rubbing on the tire. Lucky when it happened was there was light traffic and a shoulder to pull over.
Comments on ride height valves failure have been very few.
AL

00 affinity #5851

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67670
I changer all three of my ride height valves just three months ago. I found original replacement valves at NAPA and the new ones are made of a composite material. I talked to the folks at Haldex-Midland (the valve manufacturer) and they told me that the valve body is not the only component that is sturdier in the new design.
I also replaced all of the linkage parts on each of the three valves.
A note of caution! Be extremely careful when working on this system. A typical human body is a bit taller, when lying down, than the height of the tire and wheel. If you make a wrong move with the valve you could easily be crushed when the chassis drops suddenly. The use of jack stands for safety is not practical because you need the suspension system to be in full operational condition to adjust the actual ride height. Just think through every move when you're under there and move very slowly. It takes less than a second to collapse the suspension.
By-the-way, I still have a very slow leak in my leveling system and in about three days I notice a drooping left side. I'm concerned that I may have a tiny leak in the tubing that goes from the little compressor up to the HWH control board under the dashboard. Once in a while the compressor will run continuously when I arrive at a parking location and do the initial set-up. The area where I suspect the leak is very difficult to access and to see. It's inside the compressor compartment up under the front foot pedal area. You have to be a contortionist to get near it. I hope I can find it.

Larry Allure 30485

Re: Ride height valves/linkage

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67671
We recently experienced a failure of the right rear valve while on a 1700 mile excursion. We knew for many miles that something wasn't just right but not sure what. The valve apparently at that point hadn't totally failed but was leaking.
Outside of Albuquerque, NM, but within five miles, we it failed totally. We and counsel thought the problem was probably the HWH board, I was then sitting in a Camping World parking lot but advised they were not experienced with HWH electronics. Moved slowly over to Rocky Mountain Cummins/Coach Care.
Was disappointed in their attitude and inability to diagnose for over a day, but then they quickly determined what I by then was pretty sure of, the right rear valve had catastrophically failed.
They said none were available in Albuquerque and didn't know where to begin looking....they said we might be there for several more days. Called Ken Waite, had two overnighted and one was installed and on the road by 11:00 AM the next day.
Presently, I have the second and with everything seemingly operating well I can't decide whether to install the second or keep in the bay as a spare. The new ones are pot metal body with composite cover as I recall. I should probably order the front and keep as a spare as well. Some have said the front is a different valve model than rears. Do any of you have experience or knowledge as to if all are the same or different? G Brown 2007 Allure 430 31447

Ride Height Valves.

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67674
Ride height valves are nothing specific to a CC coach. Valves can be obtained from some NAPA stores or better yet a heavy duty truck parts store. The HD truck parts stores are conveniently located along most major routes so valves are readily available. I have used Franklin Truck Parts as a source for valves. They are a chain with numerous locations.

Don

'02 Intrigue #11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Ride Height Valves.

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67681
Cummins Albuequerque had experience with control valves as used on trucks, they took my broken one to several truck supply houses and NAPA, none of whom had anything close in stock. Claimed it was non-standard with truck use. Could have ordered and had in a couple days...that's when I called Kevin and had them the next day. Rocky Mountain Cummins didn't mind, I may have paid more for labor but saving a day was worth it.
Gerry

07 Allure 430 31447

Re: Ride Height Valves.

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67698

I second the vote for Kevin as one of the good guys to deal with. He looks out for his customers.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178