Replacing shocks?

[jdaniel]

My 1991 now has 190k miles on it. When does Newell recommend replacing the shocks? What brand would be used? I looked at the Koni RV site but they did not list Newell.

JImmy

[Richard and Rhonda]

Jimmy,

If you search around on the Koni site you can find a number to call. Koni recommends the same shocks for the Newell as the Prevost.

I don't know that you can go strictly on mileage. Do you feel the coach is bouncing or swaying too much? That may be hard to answer if you have been driving the coach for a while. The changes are gradual and not noticeable to the driver.

If the originals are on there, I would change them.

[tuga]

I have asked Newell service department several times over the years how I could tell when it was time to change the shocks: their answer was if the shock is leaking oil change it, otherwise, they are good.

I never priced new shocks but if they are not too expensive, I would guess after 10 or 15 years it would be a good idea to change them.

I have talked to some Prevost guys and they like the new ride that the new shocks deliver.

Just my .02

[rheavn]

I think the best way to test a shock is disconnect one end & compress & extend the shocks. This was the process Koni advised. You should have a good amount of resistance in both direction. After 150,000 miles on my Country Coach I tested the shocks. The fronts were still good. The rears were history--no resistance at all and they were not leaking.

[davidmbrady]

You do have to be careful though, there's probably 10x more rebound damping then compression damping on a Koni shock. When I bought my coach, 8 years ago, I had a drive axle shock off and I gave it the hand compress and rebound test. I thought, man these shocks are shot. When I pushed them in by hand there was very little compression resistance. I got on the phone with Koni and they said that was normal and my shocks were probably good. I've since replaced all my shocks with new Koni's and they have the behave the same, very little compression damping. I'd go by the leaking test. If there's oil dripping down the side then replace them. Koni also says that a light misting of oil on the side of a shock body is normal.

David Brady
'02 Wanderlodge LXi, NC

[truk4u]

Jimmie,

I just did the rear shocks on my Prevost while changing out air bags and I could compress and rebound them by hand with little resistance. Mine had 172K and were original from 1997. Not bad at Prevost, 42 bucks each.

1360

[jdaniel]

Thanks to all. I dont see any oil on them but after 20 years and 190k miles, it probably has to be a good idea to change them. If I was going to go to the effort to take them off and test them, I would just as soon replace them.
Thanks