Roadmaster Active suspension in a long bed

[hardlymoving]

Have had the Roadmaster Active Suspension installed for over 20,000 miles now on my 2021 CrewCab 4x4 and have had no vibrations, no compliants at all

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[UGADawg96]

I've developed a squeak from the rear when hitting uneven surfaces and when turning. It sounds like an old ass truck or trailer with old rusty leafs. Not sure if it is the RAS or the pucks on the leafs or something else. Only really notice it when empty, so don't think it is the pucks. Really don't want to remove the RAS to determine if it is that or not. Wondering if anyone else has this issue.

 

[Snakebitten]

I've developed a squeak from the rear when hitting uneven surfaces and when turning. It sounds like an old ass truck or trailer with old rusty leafs. Not sure if it is the RAS or the pucks on the leafs or something else. Only really notice it when empty, so don't think it is the pucks. Really don't want to remove the RAS to determine if it is that or not. Wondering if anyone else has this issue.

Climb under the truck and get a grip on the bottom of each endlink at the Sway bar. Yank/twist/push-pull, looking for any kind of play in the cradle that is mounted to the frame. (the cradle that the top of the endlinks is bolted to)

On one side, the bolt that fastens the cradle to the frame had loosened a bit and I got some noise over a slow bumpy road that I traverse daily.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I've developed a squeak from the rear when hitting uneven surfaces and when turning. It sounds like an old ass truck or trailer with old rusty leafs. Not sure if it is the RAS or the pucks on the leafs or something else. Only really notice it when empty, so don't think it is the pucks. Really don't want to remove the RAS to determine if it is that or not. Wondering if anyone else has this issue.

Hi there. Can you send us a DM with your VIN and dealership info? I can look into this for you.

 

[NB64]

I've developed a squeak from the rear when hitting uneven surfaces and when turning. It sounds like an old ass truck or trailer with old rusty leafs. Not sure if it is the RAS or the pucks on the leafs or something else. Only really notice it when empty, so don't think it is the pucks. Really don't want to remove the RAS to determine if it is that or not. Wondering if anyone else has this issue.

There was a currently a tsb for something similar the TSB is 21-2257. It calls for grease on the spring block and replacement unbolts and nuts. My truck had very loose spring U-bolts and was get a loud clunk. I tightened them up a bit and the noise started s gone

 

[NB64]

So far the new driveshaft seems to have fixed it. But a little more seat time tomorrow should be enough to tell for sure. It was super windy and the ac unit was on for the first time.

 

[Pedaldude]

I've developed a squeak from the rear when hitting uneven surfaces and when turning...Not sure if it is the RAS or the pucks on the leafs or something else. Only really notice it when empty, so don't think it is the pucks. Really don't want to remove the RAS to determine if it is that or not. Wondering if anyone else has this issue.

While they do make a specific stethoscope tool; an old mechanics’ trick that works nearly as well is to hold a long thick screwdriver up to the ear for isolating noises.

The screwdriver that gets used more as a prybar is usually best. It needs to have a hard plastic or wood handle and just make sure not to hold it in the direction of the motion of what ever you are inspecting.

Climb under the truck and get a grip on the bottom of each endlink at the Sway bar. Yank/twist/push-pull, looking for any kind of play in the cradle that is mounted to the frame...

If there’s access, a 2X4 can sometimes be strategically placed while a helper wiggles it to try and reproduce suspension sounds. Just a little wiggle is usually all that’s needed, so enlist someone who has a light touch. One could easily break or bend something inadvertently.

Also the helper can push against a fender or bounce on the rear bumper, again a little common sense is needed. An aluminum fender or bed side can easily be dented nowadays.

 

[UGADawg96]

Climb under the truck and get a grip on the bottom of each endlink at the Sway bar. Yank/twist/push-pull, looking for any kind of play in the cradle that is mounted to the frame. (the cradle that the top of the endlinks is bolted to)

On one side, the bolt that fastens the cradle to the frame had loosened a bit and I got some noise over a slow bumpy road that I traverse daily.

There was a currently a tsb for something similar the TSB is 21-2257. It calls for grease on the spring block and replacement unbolts and nuts. My truck had very loose spring U-bolts and was get a loud clunk. I tightened them up a bit and the noise started s gone

While they do make a specific stethoscope tool; an old mechanics’ trick that works nearly as well is to hold a long thick screwdriver up to the ear for isolating noises.

The screwdriver that gets used more as a prybar is usually best. It needs to have a hard plastic or wood handle and just make sure not to hold it in the direction of the motion of what ever you are inspecting.

If there’s access, a 2X4 can sometimes be strategically placed while a helper wiggles it to try and reproduce suspension sounds. Just a little wiggle is usually all that’s needed, so enlist someone who has a light touch. One could easily break or bend something inadvertently.

Also the helper can push against a fender or bounce on the rear bumper, again a little common sense is needed. An aluminum fender or bed side can easily be dented nowadays.

Just got back in town after a 800mi 5 night camping trip. Will need to find some time to try some of these suggestions. Will report back when able. Thanks!

 

[travisN000]

I've developed a squeak from the rear when hitting uneven surfaces and when turning. It sounds like an old ass truck or trailer with old rusty leafs. Not sure if it is the RAS or the pucks on the leafs or something else. Only really notice it when empty, so don't think it is the pucks. Really don't want to remove the RAS to determine if it is that or not. Wondering if anyone else has this issue.

My RAS does this. I contacted them and they said it is NOT normal and suggested I remove it and clean the leaf contact areas thoroughly. They said grease shouldn't be needed, but might help.

Also make sure it is not contacting the ride height sensor by the drivers side leaf (if you have one); after my initial install I had to remove and swap sides to avoid it contacting one of the RAS bolts. RAS suggested moving the the bolt location near the block to effectively shorten the side plates, but I had already removed and swapped sides to the bolt head was facing it and not the threads.

 

[UGADawg96]

My RAS does this. I contacted them and they said it is NOT normal and suggested I remove it and clean the leaf contact areas thoroughly. They said grease shouldn't be needed, but might help.

Also make sure it is not contacting the ride height sensor by the drivers side leaf (if you have one); after my initial install I had to remove and swap sides to avoid it contacting one of the RAS bolts. RAS suggested moving the the bolt location near the block to effectively shorten the side plates, but I had already removed and swapped sides to the bolt head was facing it and not the threads.

Well, that is exactly it. When I looked down from around the passenger tire side, it looked normal a few days ago... but this morning, I crawled under the bumper and holy sh!t.....

Passenger side:

Driver's side:

 

[Pedaldude]

Holy shit indeed! Reminds me of back in the day when the Honda and Mitsubishi kids would put those stainless steel braided brake lines on their cars. They’d get them too long and wind up having them chew through the A-arms like a hacksaw!

 

[NB64]

I had the RAS on my 2500 for almost 10 years. Never made any noise.

 

[travisN000]

Well, that is exactly it. When I looked down from around the passenger tire side, it looked normal a few days ago... but this morning, I crawled under the bumper and holy sh!t.....

Passenger side:

Driver's side:

Glad you found that.

I finally pulled mine off and cleaned the contact points as recommended (I didn't at install). They now work smooth and quite!

RAS needs to update the instruction to address both issues.

 

[UGADawg96]

Glad you found that.

I finally pulled mine off and cleaned the contact points as recommended (I didn't at install). They now work smooth and quite!

RAS needs to update the instruction to address both issues.

yeah, I figure I need to flip them and maybe buy two new sensor mounts at some point. And yes, RAS needs to put some clarifications both in their instructions, but also on their site. I've emailed them with pictures and will let y'all know if I hear back.

 

[HammaMan]

It'd be nice if someone made a panhard bar for the trucks. That'd do wonders for keeping the rear end tracking straight and true. I've come up with a neutral geometry if any knows a company that can make them at scale for a reasonable price.

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