I have a 1991 swift corniche still in very good condition however it is slowly getting lower and I can see the suspesion arms are not level even when it's barely loaded. The suspension rubbers appear the most likely suspect but I can't find any info on changing them, can anyone help
Changing suspension rubbers
- Thread starter Darren_374452493
- Start date
I used to have a Swift Corniche (2nd hand) some years ago & I think it was a 1986 model. All the heavy items like fridge and cooker etc. were on one side of the van. After a while I noticed that the suspension was lower on the heavier side and because the van was under warranty I took it back to the dealer. They were very good about it and had to arrange to take it back to Alko so that they could put new suspension rubbers on. Apparently this has to be done under extreme pressure and can only be done using very specialised equipment. When the van came back, it was marginally better but we just ended up living with it. I think your van may well have to go back to Alko unless things are different nowadays.
thanks for your quick reply, I was hoping it could be done DIY but looks like I will have to take it to a specialist
Damian
Moderator
Darren, the information that has been given is correct.
There is no way that the suspension rubbers in an Al-Ko axle can be changed by anyone other than Al-Ko.
The rubbers run the full length of the axle and are put in place by a specialist machine which exerts something like 100 tons pressure to do it.
So, unless you have a couple of million to spare to buy a similar machine, it is a case of going back to Al-Ko.
It may be more cost effective to think about replacing the axle completely as that would save on carriage costs at least, just a one way carriage instead of two.
Give Al-Ko a call and ask their tech guys for advice.
There is no way that the suspension rubbers in an Al-Ko axle can be changed by anyone other than Al-Ko.
The rubbers run the full length of the axle and are put in place by a specialist machine which exerts something like 100 tons pressure to do it.
So, unless you have a couple of million to spare to buy a similar machine, it is a case of going back to Al-Ko.
It may be more cost effective to think about replacing the axle completely as that would save on carriage costs at least, just a one way carriage instead of two.
Give Al-Ko a call and ask their tech guys for advice.
Hi
I have a 10 year old van and worry about the suspension rubbers, which look perished and sort of squish out of the end of axle. The van sits ok - but how does one know if they are worn? How long do they last? Has anyone else experience of replacing them? i also thought of fitting dampers- any feedback?
Cheers
Howard
I have a 10 year old van and worry about the suspension rubbers, which look perished and sort of squish out of the end of axle. The van sits ok - but how does one know if they are worn? How long do they last? Has anyone else experience of replacing them? i also thought of fitting dampers- any feedback?
Cheers
Howard
Believe it or not the rubber suspension benefits from the caravan being stored on axle stands when not in use as do the tyres.
This allows the rubber suspension to take up a no load position and rejuvenate itself during periods of storage
Alko recommend this.
This allows the rubber suspension to take up a no load position and rejuvenate itself during periods of storage
Alko recommend this.
Hi
yes i store mine on stands in the winter, maintly to protesct the tyres from flatspots / stress, but i agree the rubbers are relieved too.
yes i store mine on stands in the winter, maintly to protesct the tyres from flatspots / stress, but i agree the rubbers are relieved too.
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