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

FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

September 11, 2018, 02:41:14 pm

I have 275K on my U270 and the steering is getting a little bit sloppy.
I would like to find a responsible repair facility somewhere in Michigan to do the job.
I am also wondering just how available the replacement parts might be.
Any and all help appreciated.
Regards

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #1 – September 11, 2018, 02:55:16 pm

Jon,let me know exactly which ones you need,I changed the ones on the wheel area and the 2 on the steering arm from the pump
to the wheel,I have the 2 for the center steering link,will get the part numbers but they are availible at truck supply stores.Any shop
that works on trucks should be able to do the job.

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #2 – September 11, 2018, 06:08:34 pm

Jon,

The steering box is totally rebuildable and there are a lot of threads here on the Forum that discuss who thinks who does the best job to rebuild one. As far as the tie rod ends, drag link ends, (ball joints), king pins, and bushings they are readily available off the net. or most any good class 8 truck shop.  I would look for a local shop that does farm and log trucks if I couldn't DIY.

Your tie rod ends should be:
Meritor R-230069 (RH)
Meritor R-230068 (LH)

Drag link ends should be:
Meritor R-230070 (RH)
Meritor R-230071 (LH)
I doubt you need king pin parts but if you do I will have to go up to the shop and hunt down those numbers for you.
Now you need to double check these numbers with the axle tag that your coach has to be sure these numbers fit your coach.

Mike

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #3 – September 13, 2018, 03:09:13 pm

I appreciate your responding to my call for assistance.
I did find out info on the steering box and it is a RHSheppard M-100PDP1
I believe the mechanics will find that the drag link needs to be replaced and possibly individual tie rod ends..
Your Meritor info was timely  and appreciated.
The coach has 275K on it so things have worn and I want to get it all resolved before heading to Arizona.
Thanks again.

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #4 – September 13, 2018, 07:32:23 pm

While their under there have them try and wiggle the torque rods the rubber has to be hard.

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #5 – September 13, 2018, 11:21:45 pm

Gee, I am feeling like a  newbie as I do not know what or where a torque rod is located or its function.
But, I will request that they check them.

I am considering installing new shocks.  I probably should have some heavy duty ones as my GVCWR is 42K
Anyone got any suggestions as I do not have a clue.
Regards,

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #6 – September 14, 2018, 12:01:11 am

Go with the Koni FSD's,changed mine a couple of years ago made a huge difference.The coach has 5 torque rods in front and 5
in back.They are the 2" square rods about 2 ft long.They are basically the connection between the bottom of the suspension and
the top.They have rubber bushings and all mine were as hard as a rock.Parts are between 2 and $300 but they are very labor intensive.

Quote Selected

Re: FRONT END SERVICE FOR STEERING LINKAGE IN MICHIGAN

Reply #7 – October 16, 2018, 11:19:36 pm

Surprise, Surprise. 
I just took the motorhome in to the spring shop in Grand Rapids, MI
We went down on Sunday PM and stayed overnight in their parking lot.
When we got there, it started to rain and rained very hard throughout the night..
Slept great.
Into the shop a 7:30am and had to wait in the customer lounge.
An hour and 45 later, the forman comes in asks me to step to the counter.
They inform me that they have a checklist for all points on the underbelly of the coach and point are rated with 1 being perfect and 10 is not derivable.
The majority of mine were 1,2, 3 with two items being a possible 4.  Bottom line was that NO work was deemed necessary.
I will be heading toward Arizona in 3 days and will have ample time to reevaluate my steering and handling.
I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks to all

Quote Selected