Sloppy steering

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Sloppy steering

June 24, 2020, 02:54:49 pm

First trip in our new-to-us '98 U295. Steering seems... loose? Sloppy? Maybe they're all like this, but it's a lot of work to keep it in our lane on the highway. Really have to pay attention or you'll end up over the line real quick.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #1 – June 24, 2020, 03:16:08 pm

Can certainly be from a number of different/overlapping causes. A little play in several adds up to the same as one single large issue:

Start by checking for play in the steering components: Engine off. Have someone turn the steering wheel left-right-left right while you look under the front end for play in any of the components from drag link to right wheel.

Check bushings on the links that hold the front "H" frame to the frame rails.

Check wheel bearing end play, particularly if you see evidence of oil leaking from the front hub.

Check for play in the steering box-- if so, there is no external adjustment in the Sheppard M100 box-- blueprinting is the only way to reduce play. RedHead Steering Gears - Manual & Power Steering Gear Box is well recognized at the leader in this.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #2 – June 24, 2020, 03:16:34 pm

How many miles?

Wheel bearings tight?
Worn steering box

Tired and worm front end parts

I went from 2" dead spot (tough to drive) to none after a few coach bulls were spent on changing out the front end parts, rebuilt steering box and setting bearing a bit tighter than spec.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #3 – June 24, 2020, 03:17:02 pm

Did you see my answer on the other forum?

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #4 – June 24, 2020, 03:46:27 pm

Might just need an alignment and a little more toe in. It should drive straight and true with little wandering.
jor

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #5 – June 24, 2020, 04:06:21 pm

The coach has 79,000 miles and we just had new tires put on before we picked it up at MOT.
We are currently in Arkansas on our way to the Fog Doctors but will be driving to Colorado from here. Anyone know of a reputable service place in Arkansas to have it checked out? THANKS

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #6 – June 24, 2020, 04:20:37 pm

Has your steering box been rebuilt? It appears the life span of the internal seals is 20 years, if not you may want to get that done.
My coach steering is very tight since the rebuild. Wasn't bad before but better now.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #7 – June 24, 2020, 04:37:02 pm

Same, I had a tad bit of play in the steering wheel and all front ends parts were good. Steering box started leaking had it replaced and WOW!! Drives like a new Buick now.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #8 – June 24, 2020, 05:26:57 pm

If you do decide to try an alignment the factory setup is indicated on a tag under your dash cover.
jor

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #9 – June 24, 2020, 05:34:14 pm

Normal to wear the steering box. Seals finally leak. You are right there time wise. My coach had slightly loose wheel bearings, dust seals missing from the suspension components and therefore no grease. Fixed the dust shields, greased everything then had the wheel bearings correctly tightened. Then added Michelin tires which have directional sipes in their design to help self steer. Then the box started to leak. Had it rebuilt.

Tiny steering wheel play.

It's a process. Part of the natural beauty of that old of a coach it seems

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #10 – June 24, 2020, 05:36:05 pm

Ducks Garage
1511 Airlane Dr
Benton, AR 72015
(501) 778-2886

Good folks.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #11 – June 24, 2020, 05:43:51 pm

One year ago almost to the day. I was dealing with this exact issue. Keith R at MOT. Fixed it by adjusting the ride height. Below is B Wolfe exact reply on how to do it oneself. Can no longer pull up Beamalarm text.

Yup, I use the 8.5" top of top plate to bottom of bottom plate. AND, this is as measured on the bags "toward the center of the coach"= rear bags on front axle, from bags on rear axle with coach in travel mode when parked on level surface.

Check rear FIRST (each side adjustable).

Only one ride height valve in front, so the left/right "average should be at spec.

Special tool: scrap stick. install long screws exactly 8.5" apart. Very easy to measure. The 8.5" is (obviously) also the distance between the transverse beams that support the air bags.

After the fix. I could drive with just fingers on wheel. Which is how a proper Foretravel steers.
In the Pm I sent you. This is reply #83. If you read the entire posting. You will see air pressure as recommended by MOT "Eric", supported by Aubrey. These are names of some of the wizards of foretravel brain trust.
Mark

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #12 – June 24, 2020, 05:51:29 pm

Since coach is a 1998 the steering box should have been replaced years ago, unless coach has not been used in the last 4 years.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #13 – June 25, 2020, 02:08:05 am

NOTE

A bad thing has occured to this coach. All humans are ok. But it was in an accident (not at fault).
They will need information on what to check post tow. Picture/writeup on facebook. Damage to drivers front and across front end. Items that might help.
1. Steering gearbox and running gear.
2. Generator cooling, insulation, mounting damage.
3. Mirror upgrade/replacement
4. Headlight/turnlight
5. Fiberglass repair
6. Air system (bags, air fittings, lines.
7. Electrical
8. Windshield frame damage
9. Driver side window
10. Seatbelts replacement due to having been in accident.
11. Rear axle/drivetrain (tow)
12. Brake checkout for possible damage from impact and application
13. Damage to digestive system and cotton clothing. (Joke)

Just some items I think could be a factor

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #14 – June 25, 2020, 02:47:16 am

Are you saying an accident just occurred? Everyone safe and hopefully insured

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #15 – June 25, 2020, 08:53:44 am

For clarity

The the U295 that this entire post has been about, was involved in an accident.

All people are fine from what they stated in Facebook posting which has a picture of damage.

In my effort to advise here information to hopefully allow the experts to assist them with unasked questions. I posted my msg.

Mark

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #16 – June 25, 2020, 09:18:08 am

Quote from: Texhub – June 25, 2020, 08:53:44 am

For clarity

The the U295 that this entire post has been about, was involved in an accident.

All people are fine from what they stated in Facebook posting which has a picture of damage.

In my effort to advise here information to hopefully allow the experts to assist them with unasked questions. I posted my msg.

Mark

I saw that on Facebook, glad everyone is ok. Seeing the pic they posted that is going to be an expensive fix if it is not totaled. Hope it ends well...
Pic from Foretravel owners group Facebook page

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #17 – June 25, 2020, 10:46:45 am

Hi Everybody,
As you probably heard yesterday afternoon we were involved in an accident that tore some of our front end up. This had nothing to do with the steering issues we'd been discussing previously. (We were hit by a gang member during a police chase; that was exciting anyway.) I'm posting a whole new thread (with a link to pics ) in this forum to get advice on what to de next. Thanks.

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #18 – June 25, 2020, 10:56:12 am

thanks Mark!

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #19 – June 25, 2020, 11:29:38 am

One shock on the front that has failed may cause the coach to wander when it hits any uneven pavement. Check toe-in, you can even check it yourself after viewing YouTube videos. Any toe-out will cause the coach to wander.

Pierce

Re: Sloppy steering

Reply #20 – June 25, 2020, 03:50:54 pm

Welcome. Looks grim. Thank higher power all of your are safe. This is reason for uninsured coverage. Possible reason for setting value.
Mark

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