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Topic: Steering Wheel Play what is normal? (Read 1545 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #25 –
Quote from: Dick & Sue –
Installed 4 XZA3+Directional tires before leaving home in Nov. Had all 6 tires set to 120 psi as suggested by dealer.
( 2 front XZA3 Directional tires were installed 1/18/10. They were set to 100 psi front, 90 psi rear.)

On our 1,000 mile drive South, the ride was much firmer and steering more stable. Less wandering on the road.
Still may have the factory check the alignment if & when we get there. I tend to over steer and my wife doesn't.



Trying to understand this....are you saying the ride was firmer and more stable with less or more air in the tires?

Both coaches I drive have XZA3 LRH all around.  There's a vast difference between inflation values between Michelin's recommendations based on weight vs. typical pressures most people run.  I wonder if a plain ribbed, non siped road tire might have more directional stability than the Michelins?
"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: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #26 –
We are running with 120 psi now.
Dick & Sue
'99 U320, 36'
2015 F150 4x4 Supercrew
M & G with brakeaway system
Blue Ox Avail 10,000# tow bar
Grosse Ile, Mi.

Re: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #27 –
I would like to join in the steering problem conversation. I have in excess of three million miles over the road expierence, so hopefully I won't make a "DONKIE" out of myself.
First, the simple things, AIR Pressure, YES this will definitely make a difference. I remember well when radial tires came out on truck's (Tractor trailers) The first thing we learned was you had to increase the air pressure in the radial tires to get away from the soft swooshie feeling going down the road. DO NOT over inflate, no one wants a blow out (been there, done that) on the steering axle. Different tire sizes will allow for more or less air. I found the MFG. recomdations on my U-270, 1998, were to low as to the PSI. My U-270 has more than 160,000 miles on it and handels fine.
Second, definitely check the entire front end steering and suspension, and yes toe in can also create a problem. You actually want the steering tires to be toed in just slightly. If they are set perfectly you will wander all over the road when there is no cross wind, they need to be toed in slightly. As to the amount of play in the steering, the way the previous people were telling you to have someone move the steering wheel while you were under and watching is a very good way of seeing if there is excessive wear. If so have worn parts replaced. If you are going to replace tires on the steering axle, do so before you have a wheel alignment, as it can make a difference in the alignment.
I would start with air pressure and then check for the wear in the steering, It costs nothing to do this. If that does not seem to be the problem, then find someone who is really good with steering and suspension, But get it fixed, you will be very glad you had it fixed.........JD
Jim Donivan & Cathy Thompson
2003 U320 Designer Series 42' 2 slides

Re: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #28 –
Quote from: Gary Bouland –
Larry, It is absolutely essential that you be able to drive and steer with only one hand.  If this was not true how could you give other drivers the one finger salute ?  :)
( if you are real good you can steer with one hand on the horn button and the other outside the window with the aforementioned salute, this requires above average coordination ). :)
Gary B
Back to my pain meds

I steer with my knees and use both hands to give the required salute..... Just in case the other driver missed one. :)) :)) :)) :))
"97 40' U320 build 5035

The best things in life are not things.... It's fulltiming in a Foretravel.

Re: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #29 –
I just put her in cruise and let'er go :P :P :P Seriously our U280 handles like a dream.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #30 –
Neither my 93 U280 (36) or the 95 U320 (40) have ever been a issue for handling. Both were/are 150K miles, so nicely broken in in my opinion.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Steering Wheel Play what is normal?

Reply #31 –
I've considered mounting a four-horn train horn aiming out the left-front side with a foot switch so I could get somebody's attention when they wouldn't pull up. I'd need the foot switch since one hand's on the wheel and the others are out the window.
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk