Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 14, 2025 ...

97 U320 Steering Wheel

October 23, 2017, 08:12:30 pm

Hello,

 Does anyone have the correct bolt  thread pitch for using a puller for the steering wheel? My searches found a detailed discussion on Grand Villa but not much else. I tried all my taps but nothing seems to be the correct pitch. I will take any additional tips anyone has for the ease of removal. Thanks Mike Kelly

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #1 – October 23, 2017, 10:59:08 pm

I can't remeber, but I know I had to search through a few bolts to get mine off.  I'm trying to remember if it was metric or not.

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #2 – October 23, 2017, 11:45:05 pm

I am pretty sure it is metric... As I recall, I bought a Harbor Freight steering wheel puller that included both metric and SAE. In any case it had the required thread pitch and was pretty cheap.
Don

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #3 – October 24, 2017, 07:54:38 am

Thanks for the reply.  I'll relay the correct size when I find it. Mike

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #4 – October 24, 2017, 10:37:44 am

Update on the circumstances surrounding this issue.  Unknown to me before yesterday's original post.

A week or two ago my father had the coach aligned at the Texas factory during a rally in the area. For some reason the steering wheel was not straight after the alignment. Unknown reason why Dad did not get this resolved while there. He is traveling by plane so all I can do is text him now. He stated the coach drove much better and the alignment seemed correct. No road wander or other issues.

He asked if I would look into simply removing the steering wheel and moving it over a few splines to correct.  Is this even possible?

He also wanted me to ask about the possibility of removing the steering shaft at the Ujoint and correcting it that way.


Sorry for the questions but the more I think about it the less simplistic the job seems. Mike


 

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #5 – October 24, 2017, 10:46:17 am

I agree with Don, it is metric, I also purchased a puller and the correct thread pitch was included.

The hub is splined and can be rotated so the wheel can be centered.

John

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #6 – October 24, 2017, 10:48:37 am

How far off is it (degrees)?

First, see if you can adjust the drag link length.

Will also need to check cut angles (not hard and no special tools needed).

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #7 – October 24, 2017, 11:00:17 am

John Thank You for the reply. I will look into the metric thread pitch along with a newer puller.

Brett Thank You also.  I do not have any degree numbers I only glanced at the wheel. I will say with the tires straight and on level concrete the wheel is at @ 10:00 -4:00 position compared to what I perceived it should be at 9:00 and 3:00.  I'm trying to find how much that changes when driving the coach. I will let you know. Thanks

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #8 – October 24, 2017, 03:49:37 pm

If you remove and rotate the steering wheel, it will likely mess up the cancel mechanism on the turn signal and be annoying.  Adjusting the drag link is the best way to center the steering wheel.

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #9 – October 24, 2017, 04:04:00 pm

After what i have been told and researched I agree. I have moved totally for adjusting the drag link if possible.  Thanks Mike

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Re: 97 U320 Steering Wheel

Reply #10 – October 25, 2017, 10:58:09 am

First and foremost Thank You all that have replied and gave insight.

Just a quick update:

 Adjusting the draglink is the painless way to go. It was literally a 15 minute job once you get under the coach. I ran out of time to drive the coach last night but I will this afternoon weather permitting.

After adjusting I ran the steering almost lock to lock to see were the wheel will lie and it's close to centered. I sure I will need a final adjustment once the coach is driven and all has settled. 

With the guidance of Brett "wolfe10" on the forum I am going to check and adjust " if needed" the cut angles after final setting. From what I understand this a relatively easy check and repair. Thanks Mike

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