Ride Height Valves - Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual

• Make sure to check shock absorbers for leaking hydraulic oil and
worn or broken end connectors. If a broken shock is found,
replace it immediately. The shock absorber will normally limit the
rebound of an air spring and keep it from over extending.
• Check the tightness of all mounting hardware (nuts and bolts). If
loose, tighten. Do not over-tighten.
Cleaning:
The approved cleaning method is to use soap and water, methyl alcohol,
ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Unapproved cleaning methods include all
organic solvents, open flames, abrasives and direct pressurized steam cleaning.
Three height control valves (HCV) inflate or deflate the air springs
maintaining the proper suspension height throughout the load range. Two
valves are used at the rear drive axle. These valves control rear suspension
height and left or right tilt of the motorhome. Only one valve controls front
suspension height. The height control valves mount to the main frame of the
motorhome above the axles with a linkage rod connecting the valve to the axle.
The actuating components inside the valves are oil dampened to reduce
valve reaction to momentary suspension bounce and rebound. When a constant
suspension change occurs, such as a load change or weight transfer through a
sustained corner, the valve reacts adding or purging air from the air springs as
needed.
The air springs mount between the axles' H-frame assembly and the two
main frame rails. Air spring support plates mount to the main frame and the
H-frame. There is a specified distance the air spring must maintain between
the mounting plates. Other than specified distance between the plates not only
compromises ride quality and handling, it adversely affects shock absorber
travel, drive shaft angle and various other running gear components.
Should it become necessary to check the suspension ride height, start with
the motorhome on a flat level surface. The air system must be fully charged
with the suspension normalized at ride height. Specified distances may vary
plus or minus ¼". Small offset adjustments to the rear valves may be necessary
to compensate for slight tilt. Example: Adjusting the curbside rear height
control valve up will pivot the roadside front corner down.
NOTE: Drive shaft angle is affected by the suspension ride
height. Improper drive shaft angle can damage suspension or
shorten the life of universal joints. Shock absorbers and air
springs are in travel centers at proper ride height. The key
must be on for the suspension to operate when equipped with
HWH air leveling.
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N A V I G A T O R 2 0 0 3
Chassis Information
RIDE HEIGHT
VALVES
1 0 • 3 9 7