Braun Auto Kneel chain removal

[ircaptbob]

Hey gang, got a 2007 T&C Braun Entervan with the autokneel. I keep the autokneel turned off most of the time because it is loud and only lowers a small bit anyway. So I got my shocks replaced and the tech decided to lube up the rusty chain. Man, what a racket over every bump!!! Sounds like metal on metal right in the right rear under the seat. So back to the shop I went, they say it is the chain slapping around now that it is nice and lubed up. He showed me with it up on the lift, I could not get really close, but it seemed to look like it had enough slack to hit the muffler pipe and axle.

So, anybody have any thoughts on if I just had the chain removed? I have the autokneel motor turned off anyway. Seems logical I could have a new one installed if I ever decided to resell. My closest Braun shop is over a hour away. I called the one Braun service guy I know and all he would tell me is to bring it in, chains don't cost much.

Thoughts? Bob

[ex-Gooserider]

Sounds like something isn't adjusted right... I get no noise from the chain on my 2010 T&C Entervan, and while it doesn't tilt the thing a huge distance, I find that what it does do really helps. Granted my current chair is crappy, but on flat ground it goes up the ramp with no problems when kneeled, but if I don't have it kneeled, it has a lot more trouble, and I have even ended up high-centered between the front anti-tips and the rear castors.

ex-Gooserider

[Burgerman]

Silent is normal. Something wrong. Maybe too many links. The fact that it doesent lower much may be a symptom.

[Lord Chatterley]

Mine is silent too.

LC

[ircaptbob]

Update. Went to muffler shop. Chain was hitting muffler, but looked like the exhause system has shifted over time and travel. Shop replaced two hangers and moved muffler over and up. Stopped the loud banging noise but the auto kneel still makes noise. Gotta break down and visit Braun dealer to inspect chain.

[Burgerman]

but the auto kneel still makes noise.

They do that

[Armand]

I have a 2008 grand caravan. When I "hit the switch" there I a pump noise of what I'm assuming is a hydraulic pump and then I hear the pump strain just abit as it pulls the van down on the ramp side. I haven't quite measured the drop but it looks to be about 4 inches (10 cm). My chair will make it up either way but without the kneeling a wheelie is likely. I don't mind a wheelie usually but at this manuvre, it's too spicy for ms.

[Burgerman]

The noise is just a winch that pulls a chain connected to the ramp side of the rear axle. No hydraulics to go wrong.

[ircaptbob]

yeah, I posted the photo of what the entire kneel assemby looks like. Its very simple. I'm thinking my noise may be a old wornout chain or need for grease. The tech lubed the chain up to the point he could reach from underside... it is quieter and now flops about. Gotta take the rear seat out to access the topside of assemby and chain.

[ex-Gooserider]

Strange... I've been under my van (2010 Chrysler T&C / Braun) when it was up on the lift in the shop, and there isn't anything that you'd need to take the seat out to access on it... Everything is bolted to the underside of the chassis, essentially just behind where the dropped floor goes up to the rear deck.

There is no hydraulic system, the action is done by a linear actuator, which does kind of look like a hydraulic cylinder... My recollection is the actuator is over on the left side of the van, and when kneeling it pulls the chain in. The chain runs over a small sprocket and pulls the right side of the van down against the suspension. When not kneeled, the actuator is extended and the chain is slack so the suspension can operate normally...

ex-Gooserider

[ircaptbob]

Maybe different on '07, model designed changed after. My son took a few movies of what was happened under the rear of my van. One is the kneeling, pretty interesting, would love your opinions. Seems like a lot of slack in the chain to get bunched up and bang around, plus the noise. I notice a empty/missing bracket on the axle where the factory sway bar should be. Wonder if Braun removed that or just gone missed over time? maybe explains some of my poor ride and sway.

The kneel video is #4 on the youtube site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lvWgasO ... VHzyanaaGz

Thanks, Bob

[ex-Gooserider]

I looked at your videos in the other thread, and it seems like you have some issues - possibly springs that are clapped out, or maybe something else...

It does seem the kneeler may have had it's design changed - on mine the chain ran across the vehicle's width, from the video it looks like yours goes front to back.

I know you say it's a hassle to go to your Braun dealer, but you might need their help. Another thought might be to send your videos to Braun, and see if they have any suggestions. If you can, it might also be good to get the van up on a lift and get some shots of the rear end suspension that show more of the components...

ex-Gooserider

[Burgerman]

Chain far too long.

[ex-Gooserider]

Chain far too long.

I agree, but I am working from the assumption that the system once worked properly, and that the chain didn't significantly change in length... If it's to long now, then that suggests to me that there are other issues of either adjustment or parts failure...

The videos seem to show a ride height that is way to low, which would account for the long chain - so why is it so low?

ex-Gooserider

[Burgerman]

Springs sagged, or someone removed ride height adjustment components or fitted stock springs. Mines quite high compared to a stock vehicle.

[ex-Gooserider]

Springs sagged, or someone removed ride height adjustment components or fitted stock springs. Mines quite high compared to a stock vehicle.

About what I'm assuming, and sounds like the case from the other thread... I'm just saying that the problem isn't that the chain is to long, but that there is something that's causing an issue with the ride height - fix that and the chain slack goes away as the suspension starts doing what it's supposed to do...

ex-Gooserider

[ircaptbob]

Hey guys, got the the new Nivomat shocks installed and yes it did change the right height. The tech worked on the chain a bit and comfirm that it is in bad need of replacement, several links frozen, thus directing it to rest in a way that inteferes. I have not had my son over yet to video for details but the ride and the "noise" is so much better... down side is the $325 or so each. Shop didn't charge me for labor, going to Braun dealer for chain. Right now I just switched off the auto kneel in fear the chain may break and then cause more problems.

[ex-Gooserider]

Yes, frozen links are a good reason to replace the chain, but I'm not surprised that putting the Nivomats in was a big help in fixing the problem, as it gets the ride height back up where it belongs, thus getting rid of the excess chain slack... You'll also probably find that the kneeler makes a lot more of a difference as it pulls the van down from the greater height.

ex-Gooserider

[Foz]

i have a 2007 entervan that had hand controls fitted when i bought it. on my old van the switch to stop the auto kneel was under my stereo, but not on this one?? as the chain has snapped i need to turn it off,, any idea folks?

[Burgerman]

Fix chain, fool the switch that says stop, disconnect wire, reprogram computer, read book that says how to stop kneel? Personally I would fix chain since its as easy as any other option.

[LROBBINS]

By all means do fix the chain. However, there is still a reason to have a kneel-defeat switch. Depending on where you live, this may be a rare situation or a somewhat common one - you need to drop the ramp onto a high sidewalk and kneeling would put the car end of the ramp lower than the sidewalk end. So, I'd try to find out where that switch is too (or install one if there isn't one, though there probably is). If you can't find it, you can call or write to Braun. Ciao, Lenny

[ircaptbob]

yep, I agree. I leave mine turned off except when I need it. I did yesterday and was thankful i had it.

[dannos85]

This chain broke. Obviously.
New one was about £112 from SDL.
Local mechanic fitted it for £20.

[Burgerman]

Chain 112 pounds? You have to be kidding?

That's a crazy price. You can buy industrial chain from bearing suppliers for 15 percent of that in any of the larger sizes. Or even ultra heavy duty O ring sealed for life superbike chains that are good for 200 mph bikes and 15k miles for the same price!

From £5 per meter - I have even used this stuff on motorcycles.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/British-Stand ... 4ab470245b

Also bigger sizes, metric sizes, and duplex chains all available by the meter from your local bearing specialist.

[AndyS]

Hi Guys,

I am from South Africa. C5 quad, with 2007 Chrysler entervan.

Linear actuator drive totally sheared and noone here has a fix for me. Wheelchair is ok if vehicle is dead level, but if not, I slide down the ramp dangerously.

Any one not using their ramp, can i buy your actuator please.

Or any other ideas please.

Thanks
Andy

[Burgerman]

Define actuator?

Mines not linear? Although the chain movement probably is. There must be a supplier, winch or some other alternative, or just order one.