I thought I'd share with everyone our recent experience with a leaking steering gear box. I noticed after last using the coach that a puddle of oil appeared underneath the front driver's side of the coach. I quickly determined that the steering gear box was leaking worse (after first being identified by Brett Wolfe during his inspection). As always, this forum, and particularly Rudy gave me some idea how to proceed.
I bought a Sheppard M100 seal kit in Houston and had my local heavy truck repair shop attempt to fix the leak by replacing the offending seal. (Rudy's recommended shop in Channelview, TX was not able to schedule my repair). Well, apparently by replacing the offending seal, more pressure was then forced upon the others, causing another (worse) leak in a different place.
So, bottom line, we had to pull the box, send it to be rebuilt in Houston, and reinstall it. My baby is in pieces for the first time since we bought her a year ago, and m hoping the rebuilt box will all come together well. Thanks to the great advice on this forum, I knew that the best way to remove the box was through the headlight opening, so that's what we did.
I don't have the time to take the coach to nacogdoches to be repaired, so I'm hoping that everything works out ok by using my usual shop (who we use for the heavy truck repairs in our business).
I'll attach some photos; ill just tell you all...it's a bit unnerving for me to see her with the steering column laying on the floor (no pic of that), headlight removed, etc. But, we'll see how it turns out. Luckily I have confidence in my shop, even if they've never worked on a Foretravel before. I'll let you know "the rest of the story" as it develops..
Had same type leak when arrived at FOT, next day 4 hr job and $460,00 later end of issue.
Dave M
So, Dave, what color was the new replacement coach. Sounds like you when in the sales door, not the service door. ;)
FOT skop is very easy to work with, maybe I missed the question?
Dave M
Our steering gear leaked from the "difficult to repair" side. Wayne at FOT sent it to Sheppard to be rebuilt. Normal turnaround is two to three weeks. He called a favor and turned it around in about a week so we could make our Christmas trip.
Rudy recommended some good places around Houston to get faster cheaper service, but we opted for FOT.
Sorry, saw a comma in your number and thought you might have bought another coach, for $460,000. I missed that you did not have enough zeros.
Well, she's all back together and seems to be doing great once again. No leaks, drives straight and true. Don't yet know the cost but am happy it seems to be ok!
Pretty quick turnaround!
Yes, and that kinda scares me but we'll see.