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Topic: Adjusting steering box. (Read 879 times) previous topic - next topic

Adjusting steering box.

I need to adjust my steering box as it is hitting the stop steering right. I went
under the coach today and the screw at the bottom of the steering box is screwed
out to the stop. It was out so hard that I couldn't turn the screw until I gave it a few
taps with a hammer and punch. Is the bottom screw to adjust the stop for the right turn.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #1 –
Be careful about turning the adjusting screws OUT too much as after the last turn, we hear the adjuster will fly out and it is hard to replace.

Also the bottom adjuster has been known to freeze in place over time and not rotate anymore.

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #2 –
OUT= more cut angle. IN= less cut angle.

If already hitting the mechanical stop (and the stop is in the right position to protect tire from contacting suspension or body components) then you need to turn the screw IN.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #3 –
I got the bottom adjuster broken loose. The question I have is which stop is the bottom
adjuster. Right or left stop.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #4 –
I tried to adjust it. Turning right it hits the stop and turning left it's about 3/8th of and inch
away from the stop. Turning the adjustments do nothing. I'm afraid that the pitman arm is
out a tooth. Any ideas.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #5 –
Had you recently replaced your steering gear? Has something changed? On mine I believe it was hitting on one side for some time. I could see the contact point.  I never crank it over against the stops but it had obviously touched in the past. Below is my post from when I adjusted mine. I had to turn the adjusters all the way in top and bottom to get it right. I suppose if you had less wheel cut you'd have a little more adjustment room.
jor

Quote
OK. I got it done. I got into this after reading a couple of threads on the proper adjustment of the steering stops. I had recently had my steering gear replaced so I crawled under and took a look. The right side steering stop had definitely been making contact while the left had not. Then I read about the relief plunger adjustment. Not knowing if mine had been adjusted I decided to do that as well. Got some good tips from Roger and Brett and proceeded as follows:

1.  Drove the rig up on 2X10s giving me an extra 3" of height.
2. Put a bottle jack center on the straight axle and took some weight off of the tires.
3. Had my helper turn the wheel all the way left and right and I adjusted the stops so they were just touching.
4. Adjusted the relief plunger screws to provide for between 1/8" and 1/4" clearance at the steering stop.

Note:
* In order to get the necessary clearance, I had to adjust the relief plungers in all the way which was 4 turns on the screwdriver. (backed off 1/4 turn) This position is called "minimum wheel cut." Sheppard ships these units in this position.
* The bottom adjuster does the right side.

I'm thinkin' if you've replaced your steering gear, probably a good idea to check out the steering stop situation.
jor


Steering Stops and Wheel Cut
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #6 –
If it is out a tooth I would think it would have been installed improperly. I don't
know. The only reason I checked it is because on this forum it was advised to check it.
The coach has always steered great. It has tight steering.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #7 –
There are two treads currently running in the "Tech Talk" section on steering box adjustment.

The other one Steering Wheel Position just had the steering box rebuilt and the steering wheel is off 90 degrees.

This may be totally unrelated to your issue.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #8 –
Brett I have been reading those threads and seeing that others have had things
installed incorrectly so this coach my have had the steering box done before I
got it. As the coach runs fine I will drive it the way it is until I have built a pitman
puller. It just doesn't turn as sharp to the left as the right. 
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #9 –
If you can't get proper lock to lock with the plungers, and it is well off to one side, you may be able to use the drag link to change the center point.

Won't say this is the "kosher" thing to do, but it may work and is certainly easier than pulling the pitman arm in most installations.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #10 –
Thanks I will look at that.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Adjusting steering box.

Reply #11 –
Quote from: oldguy –
It just doesn't turn as sharp to the left as the right. 

If the steering box has ben worked on they may have installed the wrong length adjusting screw for this application.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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