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Topic: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt? (Read 268 times) previous topic - next topic
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Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Lost a nut on the driver’s side linkage from what I assume is connecting the suspension to the frame.   Hum, maybe it’s the front stabilizer bar link.

Heard a loud thud like I hit something underneath without running over anything.

When I first looked in the middle of nowhere, just the nut was missing.   Now the bolt is gone too.

Suggestions on where to take it for repairs are welcome.
Bonus if you know of a spot in Eureka as I am just south in Ferndale.

Thanks
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing suspension linkage bolt
Reply #1 –
Perhaps a Ford parts department or AutoZone would have those parts.  It looks like you could install the missing parts without too much hassle.  Unfortunately I don’t have a repair shop recommendation other than a Ford dealer.   Best of luck Dave.
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #2 –
It’s my impression I’ll need the RV lifted, because the linkage and frame don’t align, so just a simple bolt and nut isn’t it.

Thankfully, this is just a handling issue, and if I can handle it on the curves and inclines of Mattole Road, this can wait until Monday in Eugene OR.

Should I be looking at an RV repair shop or a Ford mechanic since this is the chassis?
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #3 –
When we’re on the road, we prefer a Ford dealer because their repair warranty is honored by other Ford dealers.   And we believe we’ll have less of a chance of poor service or some kind of scam or rip-off.   Plus they usually have the correct parts in stock.

In the meantime, I’d try to wire or zip tie the loose pieces to the frame.  I’d not be surprised if that suggestion failed within a few miles but it might get you to someplace for more help. 

Hope this helps. 
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #4 –
I don't have a repair shop to recommend, but it does seem that the part is readily available and it shouldn't take a mechanic long to fix if that's the only problem.

If you have levelers or a jack, that could be enough to get things lined up for the installation. 

I think this is the part (the first one) - at my house, Amazon can deliver it tomorrow.  Hopefully you have similar luck. 

Amazon.com : moog k750322

Better in Oregon than further up the road towards Alaska! 

Rich


2003 MB
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front Sway Bar link bolt?
Reply #5 –
Update:

all the Ford dealers I have called Eugene and Portland either won’t get back to me or are more than a week out.  So it will be a non Ford Mechanic.   Tentatively going with Mid Lane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene.

Looks like there are lots of Sway Bar Links to choose from for my year, will be difficult to figure out which one is in use.  Or it doesn’t matter too much, auto parts stores could have them.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #6 –
It is just the sway bar link. Don't know how that would affect handling. I think you will need to replace the link as it's a ball and socket configuration. Looks like maybe 50 bucks or so at NAPA or some other auto parts store. Real simple so any shop could do it.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: Repair needed Eugene: Missing front sway bar link bolt?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: jor  - 
It is just the sway bar link. Don't know how that would affect handling. I think you will need to replace the link as it's a ball and socket configuration. Looks like maybe 50 bucks or so at NAPA or some other auto parts store. Real simple so any shop could do it.
jor

That’s what I am thinking.

Given the incredibly uneven extreme road I drove today, I am confident I can wait until Monday in Eugene.

Thanks
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #8 –
One other thing, in picture 3 with the red circled, is there another pin working it's way out? I'd have to say NAPA would be your friend.
Could you jack up that side and possibly bring the bolt into alignment?

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #9 –
Wow, not a great way to start a long trip! I was going to suggest Rush Truck Centers but the nearest one is in Lewiston, Idaho. I’m curious what the cause is. Wondering if it’s something we should all be checking for on our rigs?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #10 –
We had an excellent experience (two RVs) with:
Kaiser Brake and Alignment, Inc.
265 Taylor St
Eugene OR 97402
‭(541) 344-5887
Website:
Kaiser Brake and Alignment, Inc., Brakes and ABS, Alignments, Suspension and...

They let us stay in their lot, to the side of the facility, overnight.

Hope you can get this fixed soon.

All the best,
--
Jan Forseth
2007 27' Midbath named Footloose
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #11 –
"Tentatively going with Mid Lane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene.", Oregon.

Dave, No matter who you deal with in Eugene remember that just across the river in Springfield lives AM Solar, for what it's worth!  ;)

A Cousin of mine is City Manager in Eugene... long story there.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Wow, not a great way to start a long trip! I was going to suggest Rush Truck Centers but the nearest one is in Lewiston, Idaho. I’m curious what the cause is. Wondering if it’s something we should all be checking for on our rigs?
Roads today are the roughest I’ve been on, both side to side, at odd angles, bumps and steep inclines.

While I’d rather this bolt hadn’t come off, I consider today a bit of a blessing, since if I hadn’t been adventurous today, this would have occurred in Alaska or the Alcan, where repairs are harder and more expensive.   Better to be inconvenienced now.

Jan,

I’ll consider Kaiser Brake and Alignment, Inc. if Mid Lane can’t.

Jor,
NAPA in Eureka had them, so now I just need a mechanic.   If I were home or desperate, I’d attempt it myself, but happy to spend a bit to have a mechanic do it for me.   And check things out.


Thanks all!

Dave

2017 TK
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #13 –
The link is not repairable.
For the quickest repair, go to a local Napa Auto tomorrow and order one.
Rock Auto can air fright one quickly too.
2017 FORD E-450 6.8L V10 Sway Bar Link | RockAuto

The link bolts on, no real need to find a shop if you can DIY.
Use leveling blocks to raise the front for better access.
I would probably buy two and replace both.

Warm evening on the Rouge River.
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Repair needed Eureka or Eugene: Missing front stabilizer link bolt?
Reply #14 –
Done, Sway Bar Link was installed this morning at Mid Line this morning.

Thanks for all the help!
Dave

2017 TK