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Topic: Safe-T-Plus (Read 1842 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #25 –
I first noticed the pull when in Alaska.  I'd say all at once.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #26 –
Tom,
With it happening all at once have someone check the caster shims to see if one has came out or has loosened up due to the road conditions.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #27 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Tom,

If everything checks out mechanically, next (inexpensive) step is to rotate front tires (right to left/left to right.  This often cures a pulling.

If doing a front end alignment, verify that caster on right side is around .75 more than left.


Here are the alignment specs as given to me over the phone by James T a few years ago, and the printout from FOT.

The caster was .11" more on the right than the left both going in and after alignment.  The tow in was reduced from .28 L, .57 R (total .85) to .38 L, .28R (total .28).  On the rear axle, thrust angle was .06 before alignment, .01 after.

All in all, I'd say the pull to the right is no better, possibly a bit worse after this alignment.  And they apparently didn't road test.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #28 –
Sounds like I wasted money having FOT do the alignment.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #29 –
Tom what tires are you running?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #31 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
  The tow in was reduced from .28 L, .57 R (total .85) to .38 L, .28R (total .28). 

How is this possible on a straight axle?  Individual wheel toe in measurements?  Something bent?

If you did originally have a total of .85" toe in, I'd strongly suspect odd tire wear, possibly contributing to the pull. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Tom what tires are you running?


current model Michelin, a bit over a year old
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #33 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
How is this possible on a straight axle?  Individual wheel toe in measurements?  Something bent?

If you did originally have a total of .85" toe in, I'd strongly suspect odd tire wear, possibly contributing to the pull.


I think the steering wheel is not centered, that is where the individual toe ins comes from.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
Are you still in Tx? Might be worth a trip back to FOT since the issues isn't fixed.


California
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #35 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –

I think the steering wheel is not centered, that is where the individual toe ins comes from.

Here is my imperfect understanding.  I hope other, more knowledgeable folks will correct if I've misstated.

That's true only on IFS front ends.  The straight axle is inherently self centering, in other words no matter how much or how little toe in there is it is equally distributed between the two front wheels. 

If your steering wheel is not centered then the linkage between it and the steering gear is not set properly....or you might have an issue with the steering gear. Or a damaged part somewhere in the chain.  You don't by any chance already have a steering stabilizer installed? 

I'd suggest another visit to a big truck alignment place, and thoroughly discuss what's going on with them prior to commencing work.  Might also show them the printout from last alignment.  Don't feel bad....I went through two alignments as well. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #36 –
I would add checking the wheel bearings in the process of elimination

And dog tracking
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #37 –
 There are a few inputs for a pull on a straight axle bus.  Swap the front tires first ... Esp if the symptom happened all at once.
Total toe should be between 1/8 and 3/8 in.  The toe should not make or reduce a pull .
  A off center  steering wheel may get into the self center part of the steering gear. , resulting in the box trying to center itself .
 A bent drag link would set the wheel off center.
 A shifted axle on the trailing arms  would do the same .
 Tires are the most common pull input. 
 Swap the front tires .
 A bumped rear air bag ride height valve may tip the bus enough to  add camber/load and make a small pull. Is the bus level?
  A shifted rear axle will off set the steering wheel and may add pull.  Have some one follow you.
 Drive the bus a few miles,  feel both front tires, hubs,, brakes, for even heat.
 

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #38 –
Based on the alignment results, Tim fairly certain the front/rear axles are parallel to each other and the ride height is correct on each corner 

I'm taking it to my mechanic on Monday, I'll show him your suggestions.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #39 –
My mechanic might have found it. Both rear brakes were likely dragging.  He is replacing both sides' pads and rotors. The left looks especially chewed up. I should be able to take photos when I get it back.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer
 

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #40 –
I know it's been a long time, but I want you to know my problem went away after my mechanic recentered the steering wheel.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer