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Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #50 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48744
Janie

In addition to the methods outlined on the Koni website that Don provided, here is another method that was told to me by a Koni rep at the 2009 FMCA convention in Perry, GA:
-Place a vertical mark between the two shock tubes so you can count rotations. Then turn the bottom tube till it clicks in place. Then turn the tube clockwise until it bottoms out counting the number of rotations all the while. Then back it out half the number of rotations.

This method helps prevent making changes that are too drastic.-

George Harper
04 Allure
31093

Rome, Georgia

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #51 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48745
While I am not happy with my shocks I do not believe for a minute any company designs their shocks to wear out at 30k miles. For one thing the amount of abuse from one user to another could be phenomenal. As they have never worked right they have not wrn out, the work the way they did on day one.
What is more phenomemal is the "stuff" sales people will say with a straight face. Koni sells shocks widely for racing and they are used in the most expensive cars made. I don't think they are junk and didn't say so. The shocks installed on my rig are just not correct for the application.
Koni, if given the suspension travel specs and weights under consideration should be able to design a shock that fits the bill. The only excuse is perhaps CC gave them poor info. I have no way of knowing.
Did I read $1,500 for two shocks by Road King? At that price they should install themselves, last forever and be gold plated.
I need a more reasonable fix.

Bob Handren
Inspire 51178

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #52 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48755
Robert I know very little about this stuff other than what I learn here from good folks like yourself, you articulate facts well, I would suggest calling Road King, 619.766.9207. Told their shocks are made for MH's not racing cars, in those very words, with Road King shocks installed maybe our MH's will handle like a race car:).
If the price sounds any better it's 1.5k for 4 shocks, not 2.

Mike
 51795

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #53 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48758
Hi MIke:

For 4 installed shocks that's better but I feel we coach owners are still being overcharged as is the norm.
All I know about shock absorbers is from ~55 years of use, racing and reading, reading, reading, etc. Over the years there have been numerous excellent for the non-engineer reader articles in the various enthusiast magzines ranging from Hot Rod to Motor Trend to Off Road and so forth. While it can get complicated it is not rocket science either. Tube type shocks have been around for at least 100 years. There is no reason in the world Koni would recommend much less install a racing style shock absorber on a motor home and they don't. A salesperson who makes that comment is well, I'll give the benefit of the doubt and say misinformed.
The things about this situation that bother me are the apparent inability of anyone involved, be it the OEM supplier, coach assembler (I use that term advisedly) much less sales folks of the brand involved, to admit there has been a mistake and recommend a reasonable solution. Instead, enough smoke to provide cover for a WWII ocean convoy gets blown around and the situation is seen solely as a maens to separate us from even more of our hard earned money.
I know someone reading this list can provide a simple answer. So, please, whoever you are, if you would let me know off line what that might be I promise not to publish your name to the world to make sure you won't be rediculed by your colleagues for decreasing their potential incomes at our expense.
I just want my coach to stop bottoming out when it shouldn't. I know there are no guarantees but also know for a fact that there is a shock out there properly valved for my application.

It must be classified Top Secret.

Bob Handren
Inspire 51178

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #54 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48759
I have to weigh in on this discussion. I have nearly 100K miles on my 2000 Intrigue, original Koni shocks, and it rides like a dream. So any discussion that Koni's are "designed" to wear out don't hold up with me!

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #55 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48773
Bob,

Just a passing comment. I am not familar with the suspension setup of you coach, but has your ride height adjustments been throughly checked? I can only speak to my experience with my older Allure. The airbags and other suspension components play just as an important part in the ride quality as do the shocks. If the ride height is set too low, I would think you would bottom out more. Just an opinion.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #56 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48780
Hi Jim,

Everything has been checked to death.
There used to be several early Inspire owners with the complaint. Guess I am the only one left and trading isn't an issue.

Bob Handren
Inspire 51178

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #57 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48783
Bob,

I had a real problem with my 2005 Inspire 51428 bottoming out when I bought the coach used with 7800 miles on it from Holland in San Diego. They claim it was okay and I claimed it was not. I lived in the the Bay Area and finally got them to allow me to take it to Gauarranty in Gilroy. After two trips to have the it corrected it still was bad. My third trip I insisted the service manager take the coach for a drive. He returned without leaving the lot claiming there was a serious problem. After disregarding the CC ride height measurements, they raised the front of the coach at least six inches above specs. No more bottoming. Front end of coach is now level with rear.
Service manager claimed he did not know why the ride height specs from CC were not correct and did not charge for third adjustment. I have had no ride problems since this was done.

Jock Vargo
Inspire 330
51428

Currently in Amarillo, Wet kit installed

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #58 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48791
Hi Jock:

6 inches! Are you sure? I don't think there is much more or even that left in the suspension on my rig.
We raised ours 1-2" and it didn't solve the problem and caused steering stability issues - wandered all over the road.
Maybe I didn't get aggressive enough. It rides pretty close to level now but will look once more.

How many miles since you made the changes? Tires wearing OK?

I am really interested in you experience. Thanks for the reply.

Bob Handren
Inspire 51178

Koni Shocks

Reply #59 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84973
I have the "Rebound Adjustment Procedure" For Koni shocks. But something seems wrong. The procedure says to "remove the lower nut and compress the shock from underneath while turning counterclockwise until you feel the adjustment nut engage in the recess of the foot valve assembly". But the drawing seems upside down, as it shows the assembly being pushed DOWN, not up, and rotated CLOCKWISE, not counterclockwise. Anyone that has done this adjustment, can you explain why the drawing and the procedure do not agree? Should I ignore the drawing and just follow the verbal instructions? I had Camping World adjust them and they are not stiffer, they are spongy and loose now. My previous good ride went to hell, and I want it back!

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #60 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84974
Quote from: corralitos95076"

> I have the "Rebound Adjustment Procedure" For Koni shocks. But something seems wrong. The procedure says to "remove the lower nut and compress the shock from underneath while turning counterclockwise until you feel the adjustment nut engage in the recess of the foot valve assembly". But the drawing seems upside down, as it shows the assembly being pushed DOWN, not up, and rotated CLOCKWISE, not counterclockwise. Anyone that has done this adjustment, can you explain why the drawing and the procedure do not agree? Should I ignore the drawing and just follow the verbal instructions? I had Camping World adjust them and they are not stiffer, they are spongy and loose now. My previous good ride went to hell, and I want it back! >

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979
T amplify, "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" are matters of perspective. In the drawing, If you are above pressing down (if you took the top nut loose instead of the bottom) then you are indeed turning counterclockwise. Thus, I am confused and want to hear from someone that successfully performed this procedure.

Al Colby

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #61 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84984
Al, I have adjusted my Koni Shocks. I followed the verbal instructions and got fine results. This eliminated the porpoising of the of the coach every time I went through a dip in the road. I am now very happy with my ride. PS, I also installed new Michelin tires that have improved the coach's road manners.
RJ

2005 Inspire #51264

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #62 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84986
So I guess I should just ignore the drawings, which make no sense. What stiffness did you set them to?

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #63 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84992
Al,

I never saw pictures of the procedure. I followed the words and disconnected the bottom. Compressed and rotated clockwise looking from below. Felt the detent and continued turning to all the way firm. I was pleased with the result.

Good luck.

George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #64 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85298
I am trying to adjust my 881458 SP1 2196 shocks.I cannot get the detent to enguage.I can feel the shock bottom out, but will not enguage.

 Doyle 1999 Intrigue 10716

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #65 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85349
Ok, no responce so I will try again.I removed the shock yesterday to try to adjust again. Mine do not have adjustment notches. They have adjustable stamped on them. They are yellow or gold colored. Coach has 67,000 mi. It was a repo,I have no records. Another story. Any help will be appreciated.

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #66 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85362
Doyle, Your Yellow/Gold KONI Shocks are their FSD Model which are not adjustable. You should call KONI directly as their early shipments I understand were labeled ADJUSTABLE which I understand was a mistake.

Regards, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #67 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85369
The Gold colored Koni's are not adjustable. The Adjustables are Red in color and I believe the current model is an SP3. My gold Koni's played out at 13K miles, and Koni advised that although CC installed them on my coach, they were not the correct shock for the job. They sent me the SP3's and they have been VERY satisfactory. Call Koni and talk to them. The SP3's are roughly 1/3 the price of Road Kings and do a decent job. RoadKings MAY be better, but its all about what you need vs. how much you want to pay.

Jim Hodges
Inspire 360
#51969

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #68 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85374
I called Koni, he said the shocks were not original.I am concearned that at 67,000 mi.two sets of shocks are bad.I did notice the front air bags are 1" low.I think I will adjust and try that. When I hit a dip the front will bounce 3-4 times before smoothing out. Thanks for the help.

Doyle and Peggy 1999 Intrigue 10716 I

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #69 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85375
Doyle,

That was exactley what was wrong with my ride. I reset the front ride height and it stopped bottoming out.

John

05 Inspire #51399

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #70 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85376
Doyle,

I agree with John regarding ride height adjustment. I had my coach to the CC store in Gilroy, CA three time for bottoming. The last time they called and said it was all done. I wanted the service manage to take it for a drive before I came to pickup the coach. He called back 20 minutes later an said he had not got out of the parking lot when he claimed all the work they had done had not fixed the problem, He had their service department redo the ride height based on some other measurement and took the coach out again and all was right.

Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #71 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85377
If you back in time this was a large problem a couple of years ago. I corrected most of these issues by raising the ride height about 1/2 inch. The bags CC used have a fairly large stop inside them. If the bag is not inflated enough it will bottom out on the internal stop a lot. Before you spend a large sum on shocks raise the ride height 1/2 inch and see if the problem disappears.

Mikee

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #72 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85378
I have to add word of warning about changing your ride height. I had the opportunity to take our coach to the Country Coach factory last year for an alignment. The gentleman doing the work was with CC during their heyday and they hired him back to do this work. He was nice enough to let me watch what he was doing and also explain things as he went.
I saw first hand with all the electronic alignment equipment attached what happened when small changes in the ride height were made. Serious changes took place in the IFS (independent front suspension), even when ride height changes were made just in the rear of the coach.
If you changed you right height, front or rear, your front suspension is out of alignment, no question!
Just because raising the front did stop the bottoming, the real reason you had the problem in the first place was because the shocks were not doing what they were designed to do. This also means your shocks are worn out and need to be replaced.
If you have the chance to stop by the CC factory and have your coach aligned I highly recommend it. It's money well spent. I suspect many who align our coaches have no idea what they are doing. It's nothing like aligning a car and begins with setting the ride height to factory specs!
I had the very same problem you are having with the front bottoming in an extreme way. I installed Road King shocks about 18k miles ago and have not bottomed once. Even on roads I previously had serious bottoming problems, and my ride height is set where the factory recommends.
Just wanted to step in here before more folks made this mistake and took their front alignment settings out of spec. I am sure all of you understand what this can do to tire wear ($$$) and drivability.

Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #73 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85379
Shocks limit vertical travel. They do not correct suspension issues. If the suspension is correct shocks do not have much to do. If you are using shocks to hide or mask a larger issue it will never be right. Wit hthe correct ride height and all alignment correct the chocks will not have to stop an issue they were not designed for.

Mikee
PHD ME

ASE World Class Tech (1 of 734 in the world at the time) Nhra, Ihra 6 second license, etc, etc, etc

Re: Koni Shocks

Reply #74 –
Yahoo Message Number: 85384
Mikee,

I don't have any fancy titles. Hell, I am not even 1 in 10 billion, but try taking the shocks off your street car and take it for a test drive. I think you will be "Shocked" at what they really do. Much more than limiting vertical travel. They do exactly what they are named after. They absorb shocks (absorb energy to you).
Oh, I have been a road racer most of my life on tracks from Road America to Mid-Ohio to Portland to Phoenix to Laguna Seca to Sears Point to Fontana and many many others and I've always done my own suspension set-ups, including alignments and shock adjustments. Shocks and how they are adjusted or set at the factory have a major effect on the handling of a vehicle.
Sorry but I don't have any etc's either. :) Barney

07 Inspire 52059