Hi Ads, Zoe & Herman. Yes have been in touch with Coastal Motorhomes. Ordered various items including the springs. Shocks are out of stock at the moment. Parcel arrived to-day containing the ordered items. Will all be fitted for Easter trip. Hope not to have to use the chocks once on site ! Thanks once again for posting the video. Nigel & Glynis Bailey
Many thanks for the info, my 1996 584 has just failed the MOT on the front shocks. Your video has given me the confidence to tackle it. Garage suggested it would be an expensive job labour wise. Yet another exciting project 👍. Helped allot knowing which part of the dash to dismantle, now all I need is the weather.Thanks again.
Do you remember when we broke down in Ireland last year & had to have the shock absorber replaced while on holiday by a local garage? Well. it's time we replaced the other side. In this video I show you how we replaced the whole front suspension in Herman
I have the same issue with my Kontiki 640, however my Passenger side front and back sits lower then the driverside. Even after changing the shocks and Coil springs on the front Tia still leaned, this made me yhink about weight internally, kitchen, wardrobe and Gas Cylinders and Leisure battery all on the passenger side! So I repacked her with heavier items on the driverside to compensate. Improved somewhat!
Yeah. Our driving position, kitchen, boiler, locker and spare wheel are all on the lower side. On the higher side we have the bathroom, dining area and fresh water tank. So it's all uneven.
Thanks. We got in touch with Coastal motorhomes but they only had 1 spring in stock and are currently trying to find another. At the moment we are no further forward.
good video thanks - will try this on our B694 and idea is to give it more 4x4 feel so will put something that gives me more high - space so can go even off grid. Lets see if even possible and might shoot a video about it too! Btw good sense of humor :-) 🙏🏻👏
Good video! I have the same problem with my 1992 564 that the right front side is lower. I'm gonna change springs and absorbers soon and the absorber plate bearings too as it's giving a knocking/cracking sound every now and then.
Hi Angry Camper. Is yours also RHD? I thinks it's due to all the weight down one side. The only thing with weight on the left hand side is the fresh water tank. So don't be surprised if you don't solve your problem. The knocking sounds as if it could be the top mount or the shock has gone. Good luck and let's us know how you get on. Are you doing the work yourself? 👍👍🚙
@@HermanHitstheRoad I'll probably do a video about the repair. I'm taking it to my friends garage and he will do it. My camper is left hand drive. There is other problems too, not just the level problem.
@@HermanHitstheRoad And by the way, all weight is on the opposite side. Water tank, 3x 180ah batteries, and driver, all on the left side and the right side is still lower so the weight can't be the reason.
OK! Today is the day. I've got the new top mount parts and also new bearings as well. Just trying to figure out now where the bearings go in relation to the top mounts. I got the bearings & top mounts all together as part of a kit. How about greasing those bearings.. important? Probably I'd imagine, but then I'd need a grease that doesn't damage any rubber bushings. hmm
That's a bummer about the bearing. I guess it's worth a search with a standard parts shop as well as coastal. Since those bearings are sealed, I guess they are greased internally. I don't see any hole to add grease. I'd like to replace the top mounts too. Did you make a video of that job? @@HermanHitstheRoad
Good video, very informative, as for the height difference have you considered that it might just be the weight of the interior fittings, gas tanks, solar panels etc that might be heavier on the drivers side
Thanks David, you are probably right. Everything does seem to be on one side and I guess only an owner of another B564 will tell me that theirs is the same.
Interesting. The height difference has got to be the weight distribution. Take it to a weigh bridge and see if they can weigh each corner. Not sure if that’s possible but it would answer the question if they can.
Hello. Great video. I read your comments to determine why the left is higher than the right. Did you measure with calipers the old mount with the new mount before install to compare. I see you replaced the left mount. Sometimes aftermarket are a different thickness to the original. Same with the top bearing.
It is likely they reused your original mount on the right hand side strut when that was replaced? That could be the abnormal height difference. Hopefully you still have the left strut that you pulled off as that should have the original mount also? You would be able to swap the mounts over. My brother got caught out with changing his front struts on his car without keeping the original mounts. Completely changed his drive/steering feel...for the worse.
Hi Leigh, the left side has always been higher than the right. Only the left side mount was changed. I guess someone in the past could have changed one side to a smaller size but I've come to the conclusion that it's caused by weight distribution - all the weight is down one side.
Hello. Been a long time. I'm on track for another motorhome journey to Morocco. This time the camper is pulling to the right while driving. And I noticed that I have the same as you did: lower on the right, camper tilts slightly when it's parked on flat ground. Did you also notice Herman pulling to the right while he was tilting right? I don't think it's a one side caliper sticking because both calipers are heated nearly identically after a run. Tread seems evenly worn, but I guess alignment could still be the culprit. Tire pressures are the same Not sure if its related but I do hear a metallic pop when I, while parked, turn all the way to the right and then back towards center just a bit. aha. and then you say it drives fine. Odd that my motorhome which is a EuraMobil '96 also tilts a bit to the right.
It appears that the tilting is a common thing but I don't know what causes it. We still have a knocking at slow speeds when the steering wheel is turned. Our MOT tester said the bearing at the top of the NSF suspension strut is on its way out and I'll know when it'll need to be replaced because the motorhome will start to drift. Could that be what's wrong with your motorhome, @surfreadjumpsleep?
my car pulls to the right side while under way. Is that what you mean by drift? I'm both enthused and confused by this "top of the NSF suspension strut". Do you mean the shock absorber mount (Part FT12010 on the coastal motorhome's website)? I thought you changed those though. Maybe you mean part number FT12001? (Front Suspension Strut Top Bearing) @@HermanHitstheRoad
Were the front tyre pressures equal?? The Springs will determine the suspension height for the most part. Were they identical?? Are the shocks the same? If the lower spring mounting is lower on the Strut that will lower the ride Height or raise it?? If different. Food for thought? I assume Tyres identical seize (height Ratio)
How often do you reckon the front struts need to be changed? Did mine about 30,000 miles ago. Feels OK still, but a bit bouncy now & then. Just wondering because I'm going to have those top strut mounts changed & wondering if I ought to swap the struts at the same time. Mechanics in Morocco are pretty cheap @ about $15 an hour for a big garage. So I could also wait until next time I'm down here.
30k miles doesn't seem a long time for struts but they can go whenever they want to, @surfreadjumpsleep. One of ours leaked for a few years before failing on holiday in Ireland. I guess it would depend on where you've driven it and the quality of the parts - lots of bumpy or dusty roads? If you're having the top mounts replaced and you think the suspension is getting spongy and the price of the struts, springs, bearings and top mounts are cheap enough then why not do the whole lot? It could save you going back to the garage later.
@@HermanHitstheRoad I think I'm going to just leave the ones that I have on there. Mechanics are cheap enough here. Plus I'm really not driving it much every year. Just around Portugal and maximum down to Morocco and back. Had a look. don't see anything leaking.
Just watched this video. Interesting that you had some knocking. I also have a very occasional knock, which has a higher chance of happening when the road is wet. it happens going over a bump sounds like it's the front left wheel. did the leaf spring replacement fix your knocking?
No, we still have a knocking, Matthew in the front left. I now think it is the new top mount for the suspension. Which would be a shame because it is new 😡
I know it's a bit late now but when replacing front struts you should always replace the top mounts. As you've found they can fail and given all the time and effort the job entails anyway spending a few pounds more to completely renew everything is just common sense.
@@HermanHitstheRoad I had stiffer springs fitted on my 15 yr old Bessacarr last Autumn and the fitter insisted on putting new shockers and seats-bearings despite less than 50k mileage. Jacked the cost up quite a lot but shouldn't need doing ever again!
Hi Ads, Zoe and Chas, Really informative video. Just failed our DOE on the front shocks. Just wondering if you had a ballpark figure for the price of the parts? Many thanks, Eamonn.
Regarding the fitting of the new strut and springs, I bought the stuff to do mine but concerned about spring fit, do you know if your springs fitted the the lower part of the strut without much sideways movement
After a year how does the Hymer behave with the new road springs. Has the ride comfort level improved? We are keen to fit these uprated springs to correct our ride height which is very nose down and inclined to hit the bump stops on pot holes but are concerned at the prospect of making the ride harsh. Could you comment on your experience in this respect in the last year’s use please?
Hi Joan, the larger springs are great - they are not uprated just longer so the springiness is the same but there is more travel. Give Coastal Motorhomes a call they are good with advice and you can buy them from them (don't forget the discount code). The ride height is better. I hope that helps
Hi i've just watched your video on the front suspension upgrade and I need to do the same on mine, as I have the same problem. Please could you advise me on what parts to get to make the suspension higher. I have a Hymer on fiat chassis 2003 b584 many thanks Rob
Hi! I own a LHD hymer b524 with the same side lower... And recently when I pass over a medium bump on that side, the hit is so strong that the security relay stops the inyection pump. I had to stop and rearm it to continue. I also have a rear alko chassis, so I assume the problem is only from that lower side. I'm gonna fit a pair of b4 bilsteins and looking for the springs...thanks for your video. I have some photos of the heigths of mine and another 2002 b544 ... If you want it. Sorry for my poor English... Hope I could explain myself
Hi Dan, it sounds like the front shocks need replacing. While you're at it you might as well change the front springs too but you already know that. Have you tried Coastal Motorhomes here in the UK? They were very helpful with the springs
@@HermanHitstheRoad thanks a lot! But I live @canary islands..hard to buy overseas. I will also replace the struts. Have you solved the front height problem?
HI , i know its going back a year but am i right in thinking you replaced Q14 springs with Q18 (1800kg) ones , the reason im asking is my Ducato just passed its MOT , but advisories on the front struts , so if i replace the struts can i put 1800kg springs in to make it sit higher and be more stable ? thanks
Hi Mark, I ordered the springs from Coastal Motorhomes and they advised me on "2 x Fiat Ducato Peugeot Boxer Citroen Relay Coil Spring Q18 1318989080" based on what I had told them. I'd noticed that our Hymer was always lower on the front and we had to to use chocks on a level campsite to lift the front up so we were level on the inside. I believe it's common for Hymers to do this. I don't know what springs we had on there already though. If you call up Coastal Motorhomes and discuss what you want to do then they can advise you. If you do buy anything from them remember to use our discount code HERMAN to get 10% discount. I hope this helps, Ads
I have an bel-air A class, the front of the body has dropped and the offside wheel hits the arch when turning. I'm told it needs the chassis mountings repaired, have you come across this problem before? Any help appreciated
I'm wouldn't be too sure without looking at it myself but it most likely requires new shocks and springs. Does it bounce down the road? What did the last MOT say, @andy0141 ?
Hi - did you ever resolve the knocking noise you described? I have a 2009 Ducato with the same issue. Fitted a new top mount too which I believe has failed after 12 months…
Is there a way to private message on here? I have found my issue as the shock shaft fouling the top mount, hence making the knocking noise. I also replaced my springs with longer versions…
Hi Ads & Zoe. Thanks for posting some interesting repair videos. Herman will feel great this season ! Could you advise was it the 1319262080 or the 1318989080 springs you fitted. We have a 1999 B584 2.5 TDI, so I assume the vans would share the same spring requirements. We have had our van just over seven years and it is a pain having to always use chocks on level ground when siting the van. So changing the van springs to get that extra lift, is something I think I will do. Any comment thank you. Nigel & Glynis Bailey
Did you check that the springs were the same length and rate when you fitted them, personally I would put new standard ones on the front and lower the back by a few inches.
The springs are the same and they are standard but taller. I brought them as a pair. Why and how would you lower the rear? The rear are leaf springs and that is where most of the weight is.
Herman Hits the Road I would put in new progressive springs at the standard ride high on the front so it’s not sitting up as high and it would give you improved roadholding and stability, to lower the rear is a really simple job it’s basically aluminium blocks between the rear axel and Leaf springs with longer U bolts. Most vehicles sit up at the back until they are being driven and then they level out obviously your Campervan was based on a van which would have heavy duty springs in the back for carrying load.or drop link kit ruclips.net/video/j2BZtAzTnDY/видео.html
Thanks for your videos. I've got the Hymer Ducato front nose down issue too. Since you had the new front shocks and springs fitted, does Herman sit level on a level campsite pitch or do you still need to use your levelling ramps? Thanks Steve
Hi Stephen, the front of our Hymer still dips but not by much and certainly not as bad as before. I think this is mainly due to having air bags fitted to the rear which, when pumped up, lifts the rear slightly but we could let the air out if we wanted to.
@@HermanHitstheRoad Hello, me again! I have just spoken to Coastline Motorhomes and they said that if you are going through the hassle of taking the old springs out they advise replacing all the parts including changing the oil struts to gas etc. He said our Hymer currently has the Q15 parts on the front suspension but we can upgrade to the stronger Q18 version which are thicker and stronger springs but not longer. He said that the nose end being a lot lower than the back end is most likely due to the springs wearing down over the last 20 years and that fitting new stronger springs should bring the front end back up to a better level. Question for you is, did you fit the Q18 upgraded spring? Many thanks Steve
Hmmm, maybe but the spring isn't attached to the mount where it broke. The spring fits underneath the mount around all the metal. The springs aren't up rated, they are longer by a coil. Also, why hasn't it broken the other side?
Hi Annie, Fiat or Merc ? That's a hot topic amongst the Hymer owners. Herman is a Fiat and we've not owned a Merc so we couldn't say. However, if you're interested in owning or just interested in old Hymers then I suggest joining the Classic Hymers or/and the Technical Classic Hymers Facebook groups.
Did you top up the gearbox oil after losing some from the driveshafts? Also I see your water tank must be up front on the side that is highest - have you tried it with some water in (1 litre being 1 kg of weight of course) ? Maybe Hymer thought of that to keep it level with 100kg over that corner.
Hi Tim, thanks for commenting. Yes, we topped up the gearbox oil although it was difficult to find the filling point. Yes, the fresh water tank is on the higher side. Having water does affect the size of the wheel arch gap.
@@HermanHitstheRoad So maybe thats the way it's supposed to be? I had to replace my rear shocks on my Ducato based motorhome at the last MoT, they were completely empty of oil.
using mole grips on the new chrome piston to hold it ,very bad practice,when the new shock goes up and down it will damage the shock abosorber seal in no time due tothe scoring done by the mole grips,fool
Hi Ads, Zoe & Herman.
Yes have been in touch with Coastal Motorhomes. Ordered various items including the springs. Shocks are out of stock at the moment. Parcel arrived to-day containing the ordered items. Will all be fitted for Easter trip. Hope not to have to use the chocks once on site ! Thanks once again for posting the video.
Nigel & Glynis Bailey
Thanks for letting us know, Nigel.
Many thanks for the info, my 1996 584 has just failed the MOT on the front shocks. Your video has given me the confidence to tackle it. Garage suggested it would be an expensive job labour wise. Yet another exciting project 👍. Helped allot knowing which part of the dash to dismantle, now all I need is the weather.Thanks again.
Glad to of help, John. Good luck. Let us know how you get on. By the way best to have a friend to help you.
Do you remember when we broke down in Ireland last year & had to have the shock absorber replaced while on holiday by a local garage? Well. it's time we replaced the other side. In this video I show you how we replaced the whole front suspension in Herman
A good reminder that with these old Hymers, one problem normally leads to another. Speaking as someone with an even older 564!
Thanks for commenting, @worldvisionable
I have the same issue with my Kontiki 640, however my Passenger side front and back sits lower then the driverside. Even after changing the shocks and Coil springs on the front Tia still leaned, this made me yhink about weight internally, kitchen, wardrobe and Gas Cylinders and Leisure battery all on the passenger side! So I repacked her with heavier items on the driverside to compensate. Improved somewhat!
Yeah. Our driving position, kitchen, boiler, locker and spare wheel are all on the lower side. On the higher side we have the bathroom, dining area and fresh water tank. So it's all uneven.
Thanks Adam , our suspension & shocks need replacing .
You're welcome, Pamela and Johnny. Let us know how you get on. 😊
Thanks. We got in touch with Coastal motorhomes but they only had 1 spring in stock and are currently trying to find another. At the moment we are no further forward.
Thanks for commenting, @garrion89
good
video thanks - will try this on our
B694 and idea is to
give it
more
4x4 feel so will put something that gives me
more high - space so can go even off grid. Lets see if even possible and might shoot a video about it too!
Btw good sense of
humor :-) 🙏🏻👏
Thanks Lifestyle of Freedom. Glad the video was helpful. I'm not sure about taking a huge B694 off road though. Is it the 4 or 6 wheeled B694?
Yeah i have the same clonk clonk so its the top that is broken 👌🏻👌🏻 thank you and yes i have a ducato 11 van
I hope you can fix it, Sven 👍👍
Good video! I have the same problem with my 1992 564 that the right front side is lower. I'm gonna change springs and absorbers soon and the absorber plate bearings too as it's giving a knocking/cracking sound every now and then.
Hi Angry Camper. Is yours also RHD? I thinks it's due to all the weight down one side. The only thing with weight on the left hand side is the fresh water tank. So don't be surprised if you don't solve your problem. The knocking sounds as if it could be the top mount or the shock has gone.
Good luck and let's us know how you get on. Are you doing the work yourself? 👍👍🚙
@@HermanHitstheRoad I'll probably do a video about the repair. I'm taking it to my friends garage and he will do it. My camper is left hand drive. There is other problems too, not just the level problem.
@@HermanHitstheRoad And by the way, all weight is on the opposite side. Water tank, 3x 180ah batteries, and driver, all on the left side and the right side is still lower so the weight can't be the reason.
Interesting. Thanks.
OK! Today is the day. I've got the new top mount parts and also new bearings as well. Just trying to figure out now where the bearings go in relation to the top mounts. I got the bearings & top mounts all together as part of a kit. How about greasing those bearings.. important? Probably I'd imagine, but then I'd need a grease that doesn't damage any rubber bushings. hmm
I wish I'd changed the bearing too, @surfreadjumpsleep. I'm gonna have to replace them. I'm not sure about the grease questions, sorry.
That's a bummer about the bearing. I guess it's worth a search with a standard parts shop as well as coastal. Since those bearings are sealed, I guess they are greased internally. I don't see any hole to add grease.
I'd like to replace the top mounts too. Did you make a video of that job?
@@HermanHitstheRoad
Good video, very informative, as for the height difference have you considered that it might just be the weight of the interior fittings, gas tanks, solar panels etc that might be heavier on the drivers side
Thanks David, you are probably right. Everything does seem to be on one side and I guess only an owner of another B564 will tell me that theirs is the same.
Interesting. The height difference has got to be the weight distribution. Take it to a weigh bridge and see if they can weigh each corner. Not sure if that’s possible but it would answer the question if they can.
Thanks for commenting, @laikatravels
Hi are you sure the shocks the same had that problem one shock was stronger hen's the problem changed it perfect 👌
Hi Patrick, yes the shocks are the same. Both have the same model number.
Hello. Great video. I read your comments to determine why the left is higher than the right. Did you measure with calipers the old mount with the new mount before install to compare. I see you replaced the left mount. Sometimes aftermarket are a different thickness to the original. Same with the top bearing.
It is likely they reused your original mount on the right hand side strut when that was replaced? That could be the abnormal height difference. Hopefully you still have the left strut that you pulled off as that should have the original mount also? You would be able to swap the mounts over. My brother got caught out with changing his front struts on his car without keeping the original mounts. Completely changed his drive/steering feel...for the worse.
Hi Leigh, the left side has always been higher than the right. Only the left side mount was changed. I guess someone in the past could have changed one side to a smaller size but I've come to the conclusion that it's caused by weight distribution - all the weight is down one side.
Hello. Been a long time. I'm on track for another motorhome journey to Morocco. This time the camper is pulling to the right while driving. And I noticed that I have the same as you did: lower on the right, camper tilts slightly when it's parked on flat ground.
Did you also notice Herman pulling to the right while he was tilting right?
I don't think it's a one side caliper sticking because both calipers are heated nearly identically after a run.
Tread seems evenly worn, but I guess alignment could still be the culprit. Tire pressures are the same
Not sure if its related but I do hear a metallic pop when I, while parked, turn all the way to the right and then back towards center just a bit.
aha. and then you say it drives fine. Odd that my motorhome which is a EuraMobil '96 also tilts a bit to the right.
It appears that the tilting is a common thing but I don't know what causes it.
We still have a knocking at slow speeds when the steering wheel is turned. Our MOT tester said the bearing at the top of the NSF suspension strut is on its way out and I'll know when it'll need to be replaced because the motorhome will start to drift. Could that be what's wrong with your motorhome, @surfreadjumpsleep?
my car pulls to the right side while under way. Is that what you mean by drift?
I'm both enthused and confused by this "top of the NSF suspension strut". Do you mean the shock absorber mount (Part FT12010 on the coastal motorhome's website)? I thought you changed those though.
Maybe you mean part number FT12001? (Front Suspension Strut Top Bearing)
@@HermanHitstheRoad
Sorry to see that the garage you used didn’t put the bump stop and the protective covers for the shock absorber back on, or replace them.
What garage? There aren't any covers.
Wish I’d had my glasses on, apologies, the bump stop and gaiter were put on 😊. Sorry!
LOL 😉👍👍🚙
I think you might have different make struts on the front, the n/s strut is a Monroe and could even be H/Duty
Hi mr grumpy. They are both monroe. Exactly the same make and model.
Missed opportunity to replace top mounts! - they wear out way too quickly on the boxer/ducato/relay platform
We had to replace one of them, Chris
Were the front tyre pressures equal?? The Springs will determine the suspension height for the most part. Were they identical?? Are the shocks the same? If the lower spring mounting is lower on the Strut that will lower the ride Height or raise it?? If different. Food for thought? I assume Tyres identical seize (height Ratio)
Thanks for that Peter. Everything is the same. I think it's weight distribution since it's not just our motorhome that's like it.
How often do you reckon the front struts need to be changed? Did mine about 30,000 miles ago. Feels OK still, but a bit bouncy now & then. Just wondering because I'm going to have those top strut mounts changed & wondering if I ought to swap the struts at the same time. Mechanics in Morocco are pretty cheap @ about $15 an hour for a big garage. So I could also wait until next time I'm down here.
30k miles doesn't seem a long time for struts but they can go whenever they want to, @surfreadjumpsleep. One of ours leaked for a few years before failing on holiday in Ireland. I guess it would depend on where you've driven it and the quality of the parts - lots of bumpy or dusty roads?
If you're having the top mounts replaced and you think the suspension is getting spongy and the price of the struts, springs, bearings and top mounts are cheap enough then why not do the whole lot? It could save you going back to the garage later.
@@HermanHitstheRoad I think I'm going to just leave the ones that I have on there. Mechanics are cheap enough here. Plus I'm really not driving it much every year. Just around Portugal and maximum down to Morocco and back. Had a look. don't see anything leaking.
Hi Ads ,any feedback on the front suspension after 3 years?I need to replace mine and I’m chasing the best option for my Hymer…
No problems on the suspension, @firebladedog. It is higher too 👍👍
Just watched this video. Interesting that you had some knocking. I also have a very occasional knock, which has a higher chance of happening when the road is wet. it happens going over a bump sounds like it's the front left wheel.
did the leaf spring replacement fix your knocking?
No, we still have a knocking, Matthew in the front left. I now think it is the new top mount for the suspension. Which would be a shame because it is new 😡
@@HermanHitstheRoad have you noticed if you're not happens more often with wet roads? That's the way mine works.
I know it's a bit late now but when replacing front struts you should always replace the top mounts.
As you've found they can fail and given all the time and effort the job entails anyway spending a few pounds more to completely renew everything is just common sense.
Thanks Mark. You're probably right. 👍👍
@@HermanHitstheRoad I had stiffer springs fitted on my 15 yr old Bessacarr last Autumn and the fitter insisted on putting new shockers and seats-bearings despite less than 50k mileage.
Jacked the cost up quite a lot but shouldn't need doing ever again!
Hi Ads, Zoe and Chas, Really informative video. Just failed our DOE on the front shocks. Just wondering if you had a ballpark figure for the price of the parts? Many thanks,
Eamonn.
Regarding the fitting of the new strut and springs, I bought the stuff to do mine but concerned about spring fit, do you know if your springs fitted the the lower part of the strut without much sideways movement
The springs fitted fine, Nicholas. They are a little longer than the originals and the strut is the same.
After a year how does the Hymer behave with the new road springs. Has the ride comfort level improved? We are keen to fit these uprated springs to correct our ride height which is very nose down and inclined to hit the bump stops on pot holes but are concerned at the prospect of making the ride harsh. Could you comment on your experience in this respect in the last year’s use please?
Hi Joan, the larger springs are great - they are not uprated just longer so the springiness is the same but there is more travel. Give Coastal Motorhomes a call they are good with advice and you can buy them from them (don't forget the discount code). The ride height is better. I hope that helps
Hi i've just watched your video on the front suspension upgrade and I need to do the same on mine, as I have the same problem. Please could you advise me on what parts to get to make the suspension higher. I have a Hymer on fiat chassis 2003 b584 many thanks Rob
Hi @robertdoree1504. Have a chat to Coastal Motorhomes. They told me what I could do and it might be different for you.
Hi! I own a LHD hymer b524 with the same side lower... And recently when I pass over a medium bump on that side, the hit is so strong that the security relay stops the inyection pump. I had to stop and rearm it to continue.
I also have a rear alko chassis, so I assume the problem is only from that lower side. I'm gonna fit a pair of b4 bilsteins and looking for the springs...thanks for your video.
I have some photos of the heigths of mine and another 2002 b544 ... If you want it.
Sorry for my poor English... Hope I could explain myself
Hi Dan, it sounds like the front shocks need replacing. While you're at it you might as well change the front springs too but you already know that. Have you tried Coastal Motorhomes here in the UK? They were very helpful with the springs
@@HermanHitstheRoad thanks a lot! But I live @canary islands..hard to buy overseas. I will also replace the struts.
Have you solved the front height problem?
No we didn't solve it. I think it's to do with the layout. Most of the weight is on one side which could be lifting up the front.
HI , i know its going back a year but am i right in thinking you replaced Q14 springs with Q18 (1800kg) ones , the reason im asking is my Ducato just passed its MOT , but advisories on the front struts , so if i replace the struts can i put 1800kg springs in to make it sit higher and be more stable ?
thanks
Hi Mark, I ordered the springs from Coastal Motorhomes and they advised me on "2 x Fiat Ducato Peugeot Boxer Citroen Relay Coil Spring Q18 1318989080" based on what I had told them. I'd noticed that our Hymer was always lower on the front and we had to to use chocks on a level campsite to lift the front up so we were level on the inside. I believe it's common for Hymers to do this. I don't know what springs we had on there already though. If you call up Coastal Motorhomes and discuss what you want to do then they can advise you. If you do buy anything from them remember to use our discount code HERMAN to get 10% discount.
I hope this helps, Ads
I have an bel-air A class, the front of the body has dropped and the offside wheel hits the arch when turning. I'm told it needs the chassis mountings repaired, have you come across this problem before? Any help appreciated
I'm wouldn't be too sure without looking at it myself but it most likely requires new shocks and springs. Does it bounce down the road? What did the last MOT say, @andy0141 ?
Don't it always rain when your playing .
Yep lol
Hi - did you ever resolve the knocking noise you described? I have a 2009 Ducato with the same issue. Fitted a new top mount too which I believe has failed after 12 months…
No, we haven't resolved the knocking problem, Mark. It could very well be the top joint but it sounds different this time
Is there a way to private message on here? I have found my issue as the shock shaft fouling the top mount, hence making the knocking noise. I also replaced my springs with longer versions…
There's no PM on YT, Mark but my email is on the channel About page
Hi Ads & Zoe. Thanks for posting some interesting repair videos. Herman will feel great this season !
Could you advise was it the 1319262080 or the 1318989080 springs you fitted. We have a 1999 B584 2.5 TDI, so I assume the vans would share the same spring requirements. We have had our van just over seven years and it is a pain having to always use chocks on level ground when siting the van. So changing the van springs to get that extra lift, is something I think I will do. Any comment thank you. Nigel & Glynis Bailey
Hi Nigel, I fitted the 1318989080 springs. If you are unsure why not give a Coastal Motorhomes a call. They really know their stuff
Did you check that the springs were the same length and rate when you fitted them, personally I would put new standard ones on the front and lower the back by a few inches.
The springs are the same and they are standard but taller. I brought them as a pair. Why and how would you lower the rear? The rear are leaf springs and that is where most of the weight is.
Herman Hits the Road I would put in new progressive springs at the standard ride high on the front so it’s not sitting up as high and it would give you improved roadholding and stability, to lower the rear is a really simple job it’s basically aluminium blocks between the rear axel and Leaf springs with longer U bolts. Most vehicles sit up at the back until they are being driven and then they level out obviously your Campervan was based on a van which would have heavy duty springs in the back for carrying load.or drop link kit ruclips.net/video/j2BZtAzTnDY/видео.html
Thanks for your videos. I've got the Hymer Ducato front nose down issue too. Since you had the new front shocks and springs fitted, does Herman sit level on a level campsite pitch or do you still need to use your levelling ramps? Thanks Steve
Hi Stephen, the front of our Hymer still dips but not by much and certainly not as bad as before. I think this is mainly due to having air bags fitted to the rear which, when pumped up, lifts the rear slightly but we could let the air out if we wanted to.
@@HermanHitstheRoad Thanks for your feedback. I will speak to coastline reference the longer springs and try quoting Herman 10 and see what happens.
That's great. Let me know how you get on.
@@HermanHitstheRoad Hello, me again! I have just spoken to Coastline Motorhomes and they said that if you are going through the hassle of taking the old springs out they advise replacing all the parts including changing the oil struts to gas etc. He said our Hymer currently has the Q15 parts on the front suspension but we can upgrade to the stronger Q18 version which are thicker and stronger springs but not longer. He said that the nose end being a lot lower than the back end is most likely due to the springs wearing down over the last 20 years and that fitting new stronger springs should bring the front end back up to a better level. Question for you is, did you fit the Q18 upgraded spring? Many thanks Steve
Hi Steve, we installed the Q18 springs
Probably the up rated coils broke the top.
Hmmm, maybe but the spring isn't attached to the mount where it broke. The spring fits underneath the mount around all the metal. The springs aren't up rated, they are longer by a coil. Also, why hasn't it broken the other side?
But would,t it take more to compress (being longer)@@HermanHitstheRoad
Hi! On a 20 - 22 year old Hymer, if you had the choice, would you go for a Fiat or a Mercedes chassis? Any thoughts?
Hi Annie, Fiat or Merc ? That's a hot topic amongst the Hymer owners. Herman is a Fiat and we've not owned a Merc so we couldn't say. However, if you're interested in owning or just interested in old Hymers then I suggest joining the Classic Hymers or/and the Technical Classic Hymers Facebook groups.
@@HermanHitstheRoad - I think that is a good idea too if I buy one. We'll see. How did it go with the suspension, still a bit higher on the left side?
It is still higher. No idea why. Other owners are the same, even left hand drive ! We've got better clearance now with the larger springs though
Did you top up the gearbox oil after losing some from the driveshafts? Also I see your water tank must be up front on the side that is highest - have you tried it with some water in (1 litre being 1 kg of weight of course) ? Maybe Hymer thought of that to keep it level with 100kg over that corner.
Hi Tim, thanks for commenting. Yes, we topped up the gearbox oil although it was difficult to find the filling point.
Yes, the fresh water tank is on the higher side. Having water does affect the size of the wheel arch gap.
@@HermanHitstheRoad So maybe thats the way it's supposed to be? I had to replace my rear shocks on my Ducato based motorhome at the last MoT, they were completely empty of oil.
Did you ever solve knocking noise on shock as I'm getting same after I changed my front suspension and was it a faulty shock or something else?
We still have the noise, David. Ours could be the shock top mount but it's new.
@@HermanHitstheRoad ok thanks yes I also replaced top mounts but still got noise I'm now thinking anti roll bar bushes
It could be that
Hi, what size of engine does it have? Thanks John
Hi Vox, it's a 2500cc diesel. Why do you ask?
@@HermanHitstheRoad - I have a 2.8idtd 1999 & was just wondering if the suspension was the same? 🤗👍
bleed the shocks or at least check the pressure on each shock
They are sealed units.
@@HermanHitstheRoad oh, the old ones had tire pressure fittings i thought the new ones did too
using mole grips on the new chrome piston to hold it ,very bad practice,when the new shock goes up and down it will damage the shock abosorber seal in no time due tothe scoring done by the mole grips,fool
Thanks for commenting, @keithdrummond5527. I hope you enjoyed the video?