Diff pan hard bar wear? - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Diff pan hard bar wear? (/showthread.php?tid=8107)

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Diff pan hard bar wear? - BusNit - 08-11-2024

While under the coach today enjoying the sights, (yes I was bored and the heat stirred or fried my brain) I noticed the diff bar. It doesn’t look very good. On occasion I need to correct the steering on straightaways.

Not sure what is acceptable wear but what do you guys think of this? Time to change? Where do I find this?

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - Richard - 08-11-2024

Replace. The slightest amount of wear causes the tail to wag the dog. No way to test for play unless you remove it. By the time you remove it, you might as well replace it, since you already have the labor invested.

https://newellgurus.com/showthread.php?tid=5506

Jack Houpe had one he didn’t use, maybe he still has it.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - BusNit - 08-11-2024

Thank you Richard. How did you set it up? Remove the old and install the new as the coach sat and welded the center piece? Any issue knocking out the ball joint from the diff and having the diff move on you? Wondering if I should tackle this on my own or have a shop do it.

Looks like Jack sold his but it was a 5111 part number which is different than mine. I have one like yours with the one ball joint that has the threaded/tapered stud for the diff side.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - Jack Houpe - 08-12-2024

Yes replace it, I sold the one I had to Jeff. It comes in three pieces so if it where me I would weld the new one exactly the same as the old.

Simon the high yesterday was 74 and its 66 this morning, just had to rub it in but this is the first time I have seen temps like this ever here in August.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - Richard - 08-12-2024

I welded the new one the same length as the old. The coach is not going to move sideways when you remove it.

Getting the tapered end out of the mount on the differential is a BEAR. It required a torch and a very large percussive instrument on mine.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - BusNit - 08-12-2024

Thank you! I will see what swinging room I have to knock out the tapered side.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - Latitude 28 - 08-12-2024

Simon,  Take a look at these different Ridewell Drawings (https://newellgurus.com/showthread.php?tid=7524) post#5, that are installed on the Newell's.  You could try to figure which suspension system is installed on your coach.   Or use  27.25" center to center on the panhard bar.  It is the same on all three different Ridewell Suspension systems

Scratch that I just recalled yours is a 93.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - BusNit - 08-12-2024

The bar looks similar to all drawings. I ordered one on FindItParts for $264 with tax shipped. Should be here Thursday. I removed the two frame side bolts. I do not have a 1-3/4 socket so that one is coming from Amazon on Wednesday. Impact grade. I used a Milwaukee 1/2" drive impact gun to remove the 15/16 nuts. I hope it works on the larger nut on the diff. A 3lb mini sledge is set under the pit awaiting its turn. Surprisingly, my coach does not have or did not have much rust underneath. Hopefully I can pop out the tapered end as I do have a decent space to swing a mini sledge.

Next will be the tag axle bar. I do not see any bushings in it but I haven't explored it too far.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - Latitude 28 - 08-12-2024

At best I could barely get a love tap with my 3# sledge due to the tight space.  Just a side note on Ridewell's engineering department.....they were extremely helpful and responded promptly with my questions.

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RE: Diff pan hard bar wear? - BusNit - 08-12-2024

If I can't get it out completely, I'll take it to Leo assuming he did not retire just yet.  

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