Axle noise

[Wmass camper]

We have a 2018 MHC 330 RL. Still under warranty. Seem to be getting a popping/snapping noise coming from what seems to be the driver side axle. Has anyone else experienced the same, and if so what was the resolution? In FL far from dealership.

[fatcatzzz]

Does this happen when doing a sharp turn or backing up?

[Wmass camper]

Not sure about backing up, we hear it when we are turning out of the site. Will check again when backing up.

[Texan]

Are you sure it's not the suspension popping?

[Wmass camper]

Not sure is there a way to isolate that issue?

[jeffba]

check and make sure lug nuts at tight. may want to lift each wheel up amd make sure there is no movement ie loose bearings

[1retired06]

And a check of the brakes would not hurt.

[BB_TX]

Mine has always made popping noises during turns, forward and backing.

[fatcatzzz]

Dual axles do not track the same. One wheel has to slide sideways when making a sharp turn or tight turn backing up. What you would hear is the springs making popping sound as the wheel is trying to slide sideways. All this said I would inspect all the shackles and springs. Mine does it all the time. Just go slow.

[akoske]

My Jayco travel trailer made the popping noise. Cheap nylon spring bushings wore out, replaced noise stopped.

[rohrmann]

Check the torque on the u-bolt nuts that hold the springs to the axles, they should be 45-70 ft lbs. Also, these electric brakes make a lot of noise when applying and releasing the brakes.

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

Check the torque on the u-bolt nuts that hold the springs to the axles, they should be 45-70 ft lbs. Also, these electric brakes make a lot of noise when applying and releasing the brakes.

Agree with retorquing the U-bolts. They were just over finger tight on our 343RL after deliver from the dealer. Even better, replace those skimpy 1/2" u-bolts wit 9/16" and then torque to 80-90 lb ft. Additionall, the OEM nylon spring hanger bolt bushings on ours were totally worn to the the steel in about 4K miles and popped plus made a pinging noise when we alked around inside.

[alherbel]

We had similar/same popping sound for same reasons... metal on metal where plastic shackle covering had been. Solved popping with "wet bolt system", about $100, MORryde UO12-016 SRE 4000/CRE 3000 Heavy Duty Tandem Axle Shackle Kit.
. . . Plastic orginals were worn away. Brass bushing was half there. Wet bolts are greased and are exactly TWICE the thickness of old shackles they replaced.... Old shackles were showing wear as well.
. . . Happy camping!

[beeje]

Even the wet bolt kits will wear out. My unit came from the factory with the wet bolts. Looked like the previous owner kept them well greased up. I decided to replace the entire suspension do to the mileage on the unit. When I tore it apart, all the bronze bushings were completely worn through. The spring ends were egged out. I replaced the whole shooting match. New springs/wetbolt kit/u-bolts. I, to this day kick myself in the a-- for not replacing the rubber shear springs while I was in there. Ya hoo, another project to do later.

[Dave W]

Yep. Wet bolts are not the 'cure-all'. After the original nylon buchings, we have been able to wear out two sets of bronze wet bolts in about 20,000 miles. I'm giving the Lippert Never-Fail polyimide bushings a try on the version along with another set of new springs. I p@#$es me off that RV manufacturers can't supply a suspension that lasts as well as - say my 9 year old, 117,000 mile truck with some sort of flexible bushing. You say there isn't the weight but there are many other loads placed on those automotive busings that more then equal or surpass any 12-15,000 RV.