My Barth has a strut going from the left side of the frame to the differential. Each end has a grease fitting which I lubbed. I noticed the bar has a lot of play like the bushings are worn. Should I be concerned about this?

That's a Panhard rod. See MWrench's post about the cracked frame repair.

And, yes, you should get the bushings replaced. Those grease fittings are easy to overlook.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
That's a Panhard rod. See MWrench's post about the cracked frame repair.

And, yes, you should get the bushings replaced. Those grease fittings are easy to overlook.

Unfortunately the bearings (bushings) are not available or replacable, only the complete bar from Spartan. The replacement rod does not have grease fittings and is not serviceable. My original bar had a lot of play in the bearings, as mentioned in my write up.

Mine is attached to the axle, not the diffy. And it has grease fittings, which is why, I suspect, mine is still tight. When I was on my bushing-replacement crusade, I ordered bushings for it (by the coach VIN) and Spartan sent rubber bushings which don't fit.

quote:

Originally posted by MWrench:


Unfortunately the bearings (bushings) are not available or replacable, only the complete bar from Spartan.

energy suspension probably has a polyurethane bushing that could be adapted.

Right on! We use Energy Suspension Poly Bushings. You can call them with the diameter of the Panhard Rod and the inside diameter of the bushing mount. You don't care about the length as long as it is longer than your mount. After installing them in the cap just cut off the excess with a hacksaw. They are very helpful and fast with orders.

Again guys the panhard rod has bearings NOT bushings. I can assure all that poly bushings will not last very long based on what I found on the original rod on my coach. Mine were well greased but the Forces on this rod and the bearings is extreme.

Furthermore, the motion that this rod goes thru is not just up and down, the top if the diff moves fore and aft as it moves up and down.

I am only commenting on panhard rods that are mounted from the frame to the top of the diff and leaf springs.

Is it critical to replace this soon? I'm taking the Barth to Canada and I know I can't get the part before I leave Friday.

Also, how much play should be in the panhard bar? I have about 1/4+ when I wiggle it.

Richard you should be fine for your trip if it wasn't for Ed we wouldn't have even noticed they are worn.

Going to check for play in mine today. Maybe we find out how many more there are with the same problem and get Sparten to pony up the replacements. Enjoy Canada and don't worry about until you get back.

Sounds like replacing may take a little wiggle out of the rear end. There should be no play. Ed would you agree?

Yes there should be no play at all.

Richard, it should not be critical to replace or delay your trip. I had over 1/4 inch play at BOTH ends on my bar when I first bought it. I drove it for quite awhile before I replaced the bar.

If you have a bit of tail waggle, that will definitely get better when you replace the bar.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input.