Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004, Owner'S Manual

Page: 374 / 446

DIPLOMAT 2004
10 • 374
CHASSIS INFORMATION
• The leveling valves (or height control valves) play a large part in
ensuring that the total air spring system works as required.
Clean,
inspect and replace if necessary.
• 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 drive axle. These valves
control rear suspension height and left or right tilt of the
motorhome. One valve controls the 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 main frame rails and the
trailing links. The air spring must maintain a specified distance
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.
RIDE HEIGHT VALVES
090294b
NOTE: Ride height
measurements:
Front: 8 ¼”
Rear: 8 ¾”