584 Alko chassis shock absorbers

[bjandlin]

Hello, a little help if you can please.
I've been getting progressively worse noise from the rear of my van.
I was worried that it might be the Alko axle bushes but can't find any excess play in them, the next step is to disconnect the shockers & test them.
I just wondered if anyone had purchased shockers & if so I'd be interested to know where they came from & spec.
Thanks.
Barrie

 

[Madcaravanner]

Question
Are these the standard Alko chassis suspension and do you have the grease nipples


IF so has your suspension been grease every year as per the ALKO specs - We don't have any problems but doubt that they have been done to Spec last year after a chapter of horrors aFTER chassis service

So much so I sourced the correct grease (from Ebay) got a grease gun and when I have my brake lines replaced as per MOT advisory the engineer will do the job for me

 

[gus-lopez]

I'm with Madcaravanner in thinking it is the alko axle ungreased? My mates original van had never been done & made a racket until greased.

 

[jockaneezer]

If your vans not bouncing like a kangaroo, and there's no signs of oil on them, then your shocks are probably ok ?

 

[bjandlin]

Thanks for your replies everyone.
The ride has become very harsh & noisy so I'm thinking the shocks might be seized.
Need now to find the enthusiasm & energy to pull the shocks off.
Have this morning been trying to locate the correct parts but it's the usual round in circles from Alko to wholesaler to retailer so waiting on email now in reply.
We'll see.

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[denisejoe]

Probably easier to grease the axle than changing the shocks just jack one or both sides so the axle is hanging and put 10 pumps of a grease gun in each side of the axle no need to take wheel off

 

[bjandlin]

Thanks but have already pumped grease in, seems to have got worse after last 200 mile trip.

 

[TheBig1]

These people can refurbish your axle cheaper than replacing

Cast Iron Welding : AL-KO Axles : Nipple Therapy : EyeLevel

A range of Engineering Solutions and Innovations from Fraser Brown Engineering

www.fraserbrowneng.co.uk

 

[bjandlin]

Yes, have spoken to Fraser but don't want to shell out that sort of money yet.I need to explore all other avenues first.
His website says that he offers axles on an exchange basis but that is no longer true, so would involve having somewhere to park an axleless van for about 10 days whilst the axle goes to Scotland for overhaul.

 

[SIFTA SAM]

Yes, have spoken to Fraser but don't want to shell out that sort of money yet.I need to explore all other avenues first.
His website says that he offers axles on an exchange basis but that is no longer true, so would involve having somewhere to park an axleless van for about 10 days whilst the axle goes to Scotland for overhaul.

Hope you get it sorted 'cheaply'
Please keep us updated?

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[Jev88]

Motorhome & Commercial Vehicle Parts and Spares Retailer

coastalmotorhomes.co.uk

 

[denisejoe]

Was your wheels hanging free when greased

 

[denisejoe]

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[JockandRita]

Probably easier to grease the axle than changing the shocks just jack one or both sides so the axle is hanging and put 10 pumps of a grease gun in each side of the axle no need to take wheel off

bjandlin. That would have been my advice too, however, if you decide it is the shocks at fault, try..................... Axel-Augistin.de (and scroll down) to possibly find the shocks you need, (not sure what model you have).
I saved around £200 by buying 4 x rear shocks direct from them, (even with shipping costs), compared to buying from an ALKO dealer here in the UK .....................some of whom couldn't even be bothered to return my calls.

I can advise you that Monroe, Boge, or any other make are not recommended for the ALKO chassis.

Good luck,

Jock.

 

[bjandlin]

Thanks Jock,
I've had a quick look there & prices look good, problem is how to locate a Hymer in the search

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[JockandRita]

Thanks Jock,
I've had a quick look there & prices look good, problem is how to locate a Hymer in the search

They don't do parts for Hymers, but they do parts for Fiat/ALKO. Mine was a Ducato 230 with a tandem ALKO chassis, fitted with Fiat wheel, brake, and hub assemblies, but ALKO shocks and handbrake cables.

Good luck.

Jock.

 

[bjandlin]

Thanks Jock I'll look again.
As a matter of interest what prompted you to change you shocks ?

 

[JockandRita]

Thanks Jock I'll look again.
As a matter of interest what prompted you to change you shocks ?

17 years old, corroded, showing signs of leakage, and when removed they displayed very little in the way of compression, compared to the new ones. The handling after the overhaul was amazing.
BTW, the previous owner did fit (or had fitted for them), a pair of Monroe shocks to the intermediate axle...................despite that being a NO NO. They were totally unsuitable for the task.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[bjandlin]

Thanks everyone, an update as of today.
Thanks Jock for the intro to the German site.
I first had a try with Alko UK customer services, who are essentially trade only but I got through to bloke called Kristian.
I emailed my plate details to him but as the Hymer is German Alko UK don't hold those details but a day after he mailed back with part No, price & details of a UK supplier. Suffice to say I have a pair due early part of next week.
All in Price £220 which I thought good compared with some prices I'd seen.
Now, will they cure my problem ? The $64000 question !!
Barrie,

 

[JockandRita]

All in Price £220 which I thought good compared with some prices I'd seen.

Glad to hear that you've been sorted out Barrie, and at a reasonable cost too for ALKO parts.

I do hope that they are the answer to your poor ride quality. We noticed an immediate difference in ride (and lack of roll), after overhauling both front and rear suspension.

Cheers,

Jock.

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