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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: wayne m on April 19, 2016, 08:17:55 pm

Title: steering question
Post by: wayne m on April 19, 2016, 08:17:55 pm
we left pahrump this morning  with fairly windy conditions.  the coach was pulling
to the right more than what I thought it should.  I pulled over and checked the tire
pressure and everything was normal.  we pulled out and it was still pulling to the right. 
I stopped a few miles later at a large truck pull off and made a sharp 180 degree turn to
the left and parked.  I checked under the front end and all looked good.  we pulled
back on the road and now it was pulling to the left.  before I could find another pull off
there was a small shudder on the steering wheel, and everything returned to normal. I
then found another pull off and had a good look and could find nothing wrong.  we
traveled another 100 miles and everything seems normal.  any thoughts or suggestions
would be appreciated.


Title: Re: steering question
Post by: Andy 2 on April 19, 2016, 08:28:47 pm
If it were me I would find a place that was level and safe get your 12 ton bottle Jack out and lift one side of the coach and check wheel play tie rod ends and make sure all is tight. Then do the other side. If I was still having issues go to..a.shop and have it checked out. But that's me. Could be the crown of the road could be loose gear box hard to say.
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: Ted & Karen on April 19, 2016, 08:34:24 pm
Wayne- did you check the fluid level in the hydraulic system for your power steering?  Maybe it is low or the pump is malfunctioning?
Hope you get it figured out soon- be safe on the road.

^.^d
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: saddlesore on April 19, 2016, 08:47:52 pm
What brand of steering box do you have?
I had that issue with a Pete and it was the equalizer (proportioning) valve in the power steer box leaking....
Also there is the possibility that you may have issues with the steering drag link or tie rod ends.
I strongly suggest you find a large truck dealership or repair outfit to really give it a go....

Title: Re: steering question
Post by: Bill Willett on April 19, 2016, 08:53:01 pm
When was the last time the king pins were greased.
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: wayne m on April 19, 2016, 09:56:19 pm
thanks for the prompt responses.  I have a shepherd steering box. I have no
fluid leaks. everything is tight and well greased.  we are in tonopah for the
night. I will try to find a truck place to have a look. thanks again.
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: wolfe10 on April 19, 2016, 10:00:51 pm
Check the brakes-- wonder if one was hanging up? Wheel bearing?
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: saddlesore on April 20, 2016, 02:22:38 am
thanks for the prompt responses.  I have a shepherd steering box. I have no
fluid leaks. everything is tight and well greased.  we are in tonopah for the
night. I will try to find a truck place to have a look. thanks again.
The shepherd is what I had, the leak was all internal with no visible leakage outside the steer box.
I still lean toward a loose tie rod end fixing to leave the scene. ie: toe in then toe out toe in..
 The rude
chatter @ the steering wheel could have been  a front tire with the wobbles..due to the tie rod acting up.
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: John S on April 20, 2016, 08:38:48 am
I would check your brakes.
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: Caflashbob on April 20, 2016, 09:12:21 am
I had a ride height valve(s) intermittently not return to the same center position I think  that caused me your exact symptoms.

I pulled over and dumped the air bags and let the chassis come back up and then it drove straight.

1/8 turn countersteer at times. 

Has not done it in a long time. 
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: oldguy on April 20, 2016, 12:40:12 pm
To check tie rods and drag link the easiest way is to have some one turn the steering wheel back an forth about six inches and look at each joint and look for play.
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: saddlesore on April 20, 2016, 02:25:43 pm
To check tie rods and drag link the easiest way is to have some one turn the steering wheel back an forth about six inches and look at each joint and look for play.
Yup
Title: Re: steering question
Post by: krush on April 21, 2016, 07:33:03 pm
I had a ride height valve(s) intermittently not return to the same center position I think  that caused me your exact symptoms.

I pulled over and dumped the air bags and let the chassis come back up and then it drove straight.

1/8 turn countersteer at times. 

Has not done it in a long time. 

I have a worn rear ride hide valve with some play in it. I sometimes had a slight pull, even after alignment at Josams in Florida. I adjusted the hight up slightly and it fixed the pull.