Steering Issues

Topic: Steering Issues (Read 1367 times) previous topic - next topic

Steering Issues

September 05, 2017, 09:26:28 am

OK, this is what I know. The Steering seems to be "Loose", as in enough "Play" (About 5" L & R from Center) that is controllable, and I still stay in my lane, but it's quite a workout! I have driven the Coach 2K miles so far, so know it's not my learning curve, and close to a month since I purchased it! P.O, had just replaced the Steering Box, with a rebuilt "Red Head" unit. I am taking the coach in tomorrow to a well known Mechanic Shop, here in Central PA, that Specializes in Big Rig Steering issues, and Talking to him, he has also worked on Class "A" Motorhomes as well.

Wait till he see's this Animal? I am sure after scratching his head, he will want to know more about just how Foretravel put this rig together. It will of course be a learning moment for us both! He has a lift that can raise the coach, he said, and will allow me to inspect components when raised as well! I have searched the Forum which is quite an Awesome resource for possible fixes, and saw what "Might" be the issue perhaps? I am going to inspect the Torque Rod Bushings, knowing they may be toast, and ask him if he can do the R&R. If not, I will be in the NAC area for a Reunion in Dallas/Ft Worth, this November, with a Squadron I served with during Desert Storm, in the US Marine Corps. ( I am Retired Gunnery Sergeant E-7, BTW ) and will get some tweeks performed at that time! Also, I will Inspect the Bulkhead Bolts for any degradation that I can detect. P.O., said they all checked out good, in Nac, recently, but I want to see just what they are....and become familiar with them! My Back Issues are such, that I doubt I can Perform either task anymore, but sure wished I could, because I love wrenching on just about anything I can get my hands on!

Anyway, I do realize other Components may be an issue in the Front End, but a search turned up nothing I could find on this matter at hand, so I'd like to know if anyone else out there can provide some Insight, of what to have the Mechanic Check out, please? I won't let my wife try and maneuver this Coach down the pike 'till I get the Coach riding on Rails again! After I Retired from our Corps, I was a Salesman, 20 years ago, and have literally 10's of thousands ( Or More? ) driving these awesome machines over hill and dale, and Loved the way they handled. This Coach has 150K miles, and some age to her, so it is a given in the Care and Feeding that things need attending to! I just want to do it correctly, and don't want to spend money needlessly of course!

Any, and all suggestions anyone can provide will be much appreciated, as I need this thing to be straight and true, soon, as we have short trips planned soon, and the Long one out to Nac. It sure would be nice to be riding on rails once again. I will report the fix, if that can be accomplished tomorrow....I sure hope so, anyway?

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #1 – September 05, 2017, 09:52:42 am

Yup, need to start (as with any steering play issue) by checking all components for wear. Also, verify that ride height is correct.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #2 – September 05, 2017, 09:53:52 am

I have seen posts by Caflashbob, and will heed his sage advice on this issue! I must print these pages out, so I can relate it all to the Alignment Tech, tomorrow! I just hope I can get Some Correction on this issue at hand?

Rear axle bearing and steering issues

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #3 – September 05, 2017, 09:58:11 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – September 05, 2017, 09:52:42 am

Yup, need to start (as with any steering play issue) by checking all components for wear. Also, verify that ride height is correct.

Ride Height? I sure wished that Foretravel Published Repair and Maintenance Manuals. I have purchased them for every machine with wheels that go down the road, that I have owned......Fortunately, we all have each other for questions here. Otherwise it would be a deep dark chasm to perform anything pertaining to most Foretravels!

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #4 – September 05, 2017, 10:18:48 am

Make sure the ride height is connect, the tires are the same pressure and the shock absorbers are both working correctly up front. Jerry M just did an overhaul on his steering box. Think he had a leak but you might ask him if it had any play in it. Any vehicle goes down the road pretty straight if it has a little toe in. Neutral or toe out make for a wandering coach, especially when one of the tires hits a pavement groove or transition.

No, they didn't do anyone favors with the manuals they supply. My GM bus had a service manual with illustrations and a parts manual with blowups including the part number and it's description so you could get a lot of the parts at the hardware store.

Pierce

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #5 – September 05, 2017, 10:29:38 am

With 150K miles on a '95 U320, I wouldn't think the torque rod bushings would be a source of your coach wandering. Our '93 model is closing in on 200K miles with the original bushings, and it tracks straight as a arrow. On the highway, I can steer with 2 fingers on the bottom of the steering wheel...at least until my DW yells "BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL!!!!".

Look first at the other stuff mentioned above - I bet you'll find tracking improvement can be accomplished with simple adjustments.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #6 – September 05, 2017, 10:38:32 am

With 5" play both directions at the steering wheel there is a major issue. The steering expert will find it I am sure. Loose steering box bolts or very bad tie rod ends would be my guess. Post the cure of the issue for others to look for.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #7 – September 05, 2017, 12:16:44 pm

If all the visible stuff is tight then look at the wheel bearings. Way loose to have that much play I would think

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #8 – September 05, 2017, 02:02:48 pm

Quote from: craneman – September 05, 2017, 10:38:32 am

With 5" play both directions at the steering wheel there is a major issue. The steering expert will find it I am sure. Loose steering box bolts or very bad tie rod ends would be my guess. Post the cure of the issue for others to look for.

I'm sorry, let me clarify what I meant....it is about 2 1/2" each way from centerline actually....still way too much for my comfort anyway? It is about 5" Total, and yes, I do realize there is an issue, and will post results of findings and actual fix, once completed! It's time for me to contribute....I have been a Member for years now, and now as an owner, hopefully I can shed some light on what issues I have overcome! Thanks!

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #9 – September 05, 2017, 02:58:30 pm

We all learn together

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #10 – September 05, 2017, 04:26:51 pm

Quote from: RetiredGuns – September 05, 2017, 09:53:52 am

I have seen posts by Caflashbob, and will heed his sage advice on this issue!

If you're anywhere in CA, perhaps you can take it to his "guru buddy"...

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #11 – September 05, 2017, 06:13:18 pm

I'd start by making sure the replaced steering box is the correct one for your coach.

When my previous coach, an SOB on a John Deere (later Oshkosh) chassis developed too much play in the steering, the mechanic said the steering box needed replacement. He said the oem box was not available, so he put in the closest match he could find.

From that day on, it never ever steered half as well as before. I tried alignment, backlash adjustment, tires, more weight up front. Nothing helped enough for me to keep it.

The good news was I solved the problem by buying my Foretravel and selling the SOB (in that order)

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #12 – September 05, 2017, 06:30:27 pm

With engine running in neutral, why not have someone tweak the steering lightly back forth within the 5" while another with a flashlight looks under the front end near the axle, to see what is moving without moving the thing it is attached to? Sort of like the foot bone is attached to the ankle bone, etc. Steering wheel rotates steering shaft, which rotates steering gear, which moves the big arm front to back, which moves the steering gear side to side, which turns the tires.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #13 – September 05, 2017, 07:55:45 pm

Quote from: Barry & Cindy – September 05, 2017, 06:30:27 pm

With engine running in neutral, why not have someone tweak the steering lightly back forth within the 5" while another with a flashlight looks under the front end near the axle, to see what is moving without moving the thing it is attached to? Sort of like the foot bone is attached to the ankle bone, etc. Steering wheel rotates steering shaft, which rotates steering gear, which moves the big arm front to back, which moves the steering gear side to side, which turns the tires.

Reminds me of a DOT inspection alongside the road with a commercial vehicle.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #14 – September 05, 2017, 10:08:32 pm

And to check play in: drag link, left knuckle, tie rod ends and right knuckle you don't even need the engine running.

Just have someone turn the steering wheel through that 5" of play. Verify that every movement of the pitman arm is transmitted all the way to the right knuckle. Do that on each coach inspected. Takes 3 minutes.

Yes, you still have to look at wheel bearing play and steering box play. With the Sheppard M100 box, play is NOT externally adjustable. The box must be blue-printed to bring it to finer tolerances.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #15 – September 06, 2017, 08:27:13 am

Quote from: RetiredGuns – September 05, 2017, 09:26:28 am

...snip...
He has a lift that can raise the coach, he said, and will allow me to inspect components when raised as well! I have searched the Forum which is quite an Awesome resource for possible fixes, and saw what "Might" be the issue perhaps?
...snip...

Unrelated (to steering issue) suggestion:
While you are on the lift would be a good time to get your squirt bottle of soapy water and check for leaks in the air system. Mark them with tie wraps for later repair.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #16 – October 13, 2017, 11:13:36 pm

Well what did you fix or adjust?

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #17 – October 15, 2017, 11:58:44 pm

So, just so all knows, Dave Head had the Steering Box, a "Red Head"? rebuilt and blueprinted a few months ago. I took it to an Alignment shop, and after two hours over the Pit.....Nothing could be found that he could identify as being either out of Whack, Worn, needing Adjustment, or even out of Alignment! I am looking into a Steering Stabilizer Install now. I am doing research, on the Brand now, and since they are quite expensive, want to get THE Best, period! Now to determine that? Any and all feedback in that choice is appreciated, folks!

I literally have Tens of Thousands of miles on these coaches, back in the '90's, when I sold them at the Factory Store in Escondido Ca. My experience there, as I recall was pure JOY driving these outstanding coaches....no drift, ever! I'd deliver a Customer's Coach, some as far as Washington State, 1,500 miles away, and drive their Trade back to CA! The difference was overwhelmingly evident! I have to admit a '70's GMC Motorhome with all Air Bags was a close second, in comfort in handling! It was a trade from Oregon, one time! I just want this machine to not be a Wanderer....she sure is now!

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #18 – October 16, 2017, 12:02:03 am

I assume red head did it incorrectly.

Unless your wheel bearings are too loose.

Factory preloaded the bearings new a bit I understand.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #19 – October 16, 2017, 12:18:46 am

Sorry to hear of your challenges.

Would get it to MOT or old town for their input

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #20 – October 16, 2017, 12:31:09 am

Quote from: Caflashbob – October 16, 2017, 12:02:03 am

I assume red head did it incorrectly.

Unless your wheel bearings are too loose.

Factory preloaded the bearings new a bit I understand.

How could that be determined? Dave also had the Wheel Bearing redone also, as there were Leaks that were repaired? All work was in the early part of this year! He didn't think there was an issue, in it's handling? And sometimes it could just be the Driver, LOL!

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #21 – October 16, 2017, 12:54:52 am

Do a search for toe in, IRC there was some problems with nameplate values causing problems.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #22 – October 16, 2017, 07:26:47 am

RG,

Did the front end shop check the bushings in the torque tubes/trailing arms and your panhard bar?

Pamela & Mike

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #23 – October 16, 2017, 09:46:48 am

My normal test is to see if the coach dog tracks in the lane. Are the sides of the coach parallel to the lane markers?

OREDS had a percentage that the rear axle housings were not square to the frame. Reweld the mounting brackets fixed those.

Unicoaches rarely if ever but previous damage can have bent things or worn bushings as mentioned or the wheel bearings as I have personally experienced can affect the tracking greatly.

Re: Steering Issues

Reply #24 – October 16, 2017, 06:08:04 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – October 16, 2017, 09:46:48 am

My normal test is to see if the coach dog tracks in the lane. Are the sides of the coach parallel to the lane markers?

OREDS had a percentage that the rear axle housings were not square to the frame. Reweld the mounting brackets fixed those.

Unicoaches rarely if ever but previous damage can have bent things or worn bushings as mentioned or the wheel bearings as I have personally experienced can affect the tracking greatly.

I did check with the Center Line, and it sure seemed OK? Bushings, and Wheel Bearings were checked, as well? I want to go the Direction of a Steering Stabilizers, if I can find a Local Installer, if Not I may be swinging through NAC in a few weeks, and if I can be Slid In, I will have them Install, then! Thanks!

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