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Topic: Service only to be done in Nac?  (Read 944 times) previous topic - next topic

Service only to be done in Nac?

John S replied in another thread that:

Quote
Still for some systems I will only go to MOT or FOT or HWH.

I'm interested on what coach systems would be best serviced at FOT or MOT.  I've read that the Meritor brakes are one but what else would be best serviced by the experts in Nac?
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Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: Service only to be done in Nac?

Reply #1 –
Alignment.  Wayne Musser at FOT is the best ^.^d  No one else comes close in my book.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Service only to be done in Nac?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Steve & Michelle –
Alignment.  Wayne Musser at FOT is the best ^.^d  No one else comes close in my book.

Michelle

Agree totally with that.  We had three alignment shops try to align us, and it got a little better each time, but Wayne did his magic and made it handle the way it should.  Dramatic improvement!
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM

Re: Service only to be done in Nac?

Reply #3 –
Just for your information, Wayne is not the only one doing the alignments there now.  A person at FOT told me he is training someone.  Wayne has been out two weeks, I am waiting his return and him getting me in to check the coach we bought.
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Service only to be done in Nac?

Reply #4 –
I have used Cummins for the brakes. They have worked on firetrucks for a long time and know the brakes we use.
Alignment and fiberglass work and getting the systems to work together.  THe Dash gauges and replacing an old aquahot. The new ones require a new wiring harness.

That is a start.  Also, if there is going to be any invasive stuff done..
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Service only to be done in Nac?

Reply #5 –
Wayne Musser, FOT, did our new-to-us front and rear drive alignments today.  This is important to newbies.  Our coach was made prior to some of the most recent alignment technology and I was not sure that prior owners had this aligned recently or with the more recent technology.  I felt it had a little vibration in the steering wheel at low speed. This is what Wayne found.  I recommend that newbies consider having your coach checked if the coach you buy is, like ours, an older model, and perhaps with many miles.

a.  The coach ride height was about one inch low.  Wayne adjusted.  It is better this way.
b.  The caster, toe and camber needed adjustment. 
c.  The front and rear drive alignment was done
d.  There were no major problems that required parts or such

Result:  the tires are protected by the alignment, but most noticeable was improved handling.  The steering (less tendency to wander) controlled better and the turning under better control and feel.  Understand that we only had about 50 miles of driving before this work and I can tell the difference.

Also, he found that the coach had been driven mainly by the retarder and as such, as I heard him, there were some glaze spots on the brakes.  He suggested we drive for a time without the retarder, use the brakes more and it would remove the spots.  While doing this we may notice some braking grab/release but it would soon cease.  I did this and seemed to work quickly.  It was also good for me to see how nicely this coach stops even without the retarder (WAY better than the Super C we had, that seemed at times unstoppable)

Sorry Wayne if I misrepresented what you said but it really does drive better and the cost for this modest.  Thanks.  Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches
 

Re: Service only to be done in Nac?

Reply #6 –
Excessive use of the retarder causing light brake application can cause glazing of the pads.  Cure is to either remove the pads and remove the glazing with 200 grit sandpaper, cleaning well afterwards or sanding the rotors in a cross hatch pattern to roughen them.  Making a few hard stops can help as well.

If trying this read this about safely blocking the coach FIRST!

Working Safely around your Foretravel

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159