Have just returned from the shop in Corvallis. Have inspected both rear axels, and all the bearings. All indications are that this failure is due to the work we had done at RV Masters, Inc. in Houston.
Despite recommendations from FMCA and Good Sam, the work was substandard.
We initially left the rig (30 foot class A motorhome) for an oil change and brake job. The mechanic reported bad bearings, so they need to be changed. We returned from the east coast, picked up the rig, headed west, and .... failure!
The first indication came within 25 miles, with a horrible grinding sound. We managed to return to the shop, and had to go to a hotel for the night. We were told one of the bearings on the left side had failed. This was due to improper installation. Parts had to be replaced, and then during the test drive, the wheel caught fire. (One mechanic stood around watching it burn; I had to grab an extinguisher and put the flames out.) More repairs, and a successful test drive. We left Houston.
However, it is now conclusive that the bearings were put on and tightened way too much, causing them to fail over time. Also, the rear differential was not properly cleaned of metal shreddings after the old bearing failures. Over time, shavings have caused the "new" bearings to fail. We now have to do the whole job over again, including opening the differential to completely clean the gears and housing. Every indication is that this would not have happened if the work done by RV Masters, Inc. had been done correctly.
I would not recommend RV Masters, Inc.
