What is the reason for the left front shock mount failures on 90's buses?

[Kurt Horvath]

Hey guys

I have posted several pics of the shock mount repair. I have outlined the new
weld in red in pics 22 & 44. They are in my album BUMPERSBIRD it's at the end on
page three.

As I recall now, when the front end of the coach was lifted up to install new
airbags it just kinda pulled away and when we dropped her back down it just went
back into place with, It was very hard to see when we lowered the front end it
just laid back into the broken area and was not obvious it was broken, the guys
at Prevost just welded it back in place.

I was told at the time by my BB Guru, "that's a known problem," the fix, "weld
it back together boy!"

From the pictures I've seen here it looks as if they are failing mostly on the
plate the stud is welded to that supports the shock is the problem, The plate
is either too thin a material or inferior steel. Compounded by a similar event
that has happened to each of us. Letting the jacks drop on empty airbags, over
travel in the suspension ???????Replacement shocks incorrect size?????? I don't
know, mine broke after installing new shocks.

It's now on the pre-trip, during trip, and post trip inspection list. A camera
does a great job for a great look and detailed veiw.

Kurt Horvath
95 PT-42 WLWB
10AC


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner" wrote:
>
> Did you look at the picture(s) I posted links to? Pete's CCW repair pictures
can be found here: http://homepage.mac.com/aeonix1/PhotoAlbum11.html
>
> No before pictures there, only after.
>
> Had your shocks ever been replaced? A lot of us seem to have the issue soon
after shock replacement, for whatever that is worth.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>
> On 3/10/2009 at 3:12 AM Eric Perplies wrote:
>
> >When I discovered my front left shock absorber mount had failed just
> >before the Q rally in 08' I thought my experience was unique. Evidently
> >it was not. There seems to have been several similar failures on 90's
> >vintage buses. All of them appear to have occurred on the left front
> >shock mount. It might be both interesting as well as useful for all of us
> >that have experienced the failure as well as other interested parties to
> >discuss what had caused the failures. If there is a design flaw we know
> >we are on our own, of course. Right now it continues not to be clear to
> >me what caused the problem.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>