Two axle alignment

[DrDaveCA]

Today I had new tires put on the coach and requested they do a two axle alignment. It turns out the rear axle thrust is out 0.2 degrees and that will cause the pull to the right I have been feeling for a few months. This was discovered after the tech had tried for close several hours to adjust the thrust it turns out our (2005 FDTS limited) Neway axle is not adjustable . After numerous calls (thanks Engineer Mike for your assistance) the tech reached Tom Johnson Camping in Concord, NC. The alignment tech there was familiar with the issue, it seems the bushing (there are 3 on each side) gets worn, split, crack generally dry out and that will cause the problem. So my next stop will be Tom Johnson tomorrow (the tire shop cannot do the repair although they can do alignments) to get the bushings replaced and the coach completely aligned. The good news (for me) is that I was able to get under the coach and REALLY inspect the steering bracket and there are no cracks, splitting or evidence of strain, so I guess we are OK for a little while , I'll keep checking !

[Wayne R]

DrDave, when I changed my rear end bolts out I moved my RH side about a 1/4 of an inch to the rear prior to drilling the 3/4 holes. This actually got the 5/8 holes close to being on center with the axle 3/4 holes. I also had a slight pull to the right, the pull is gone now. I determined the rear axle on mine was shifted forward compared to the left side. The bolt hole alignment was off by about that much side to side along with other measurements I took from surrounding structure. 5/8 bolts in 3/4 holes can allow that to occur.

My thinking is if the rear end hanger holes are centered on the precision drilled frame holes it should be at a right angle to the frame.

I probably got lucky but my coach does not pull to either side now. I can take my hands of the steering wheel for several seconds and it goes straight down the hi-way.

In a strong side wind some correction is needed. I probably will get an alignment check when I put new tires on in the next year or so. I replaced my tires in late 06 because of all the blowouts Alpines were having with the Toyos.

[Old Scout]

Assume in yr discussions with EM, you eliminated any possibility that your coach is one of the early 2005s with "bolt issues." Having said that, I am hard pressed to believe the suspension bushings are worn. I am sure you have less than 100k miles on yr rig--so the idea yr suspension has worn that much would be amazing. In deference to Wayne, I try to avoid using the words "WRV" and "precision" in the same paragraph, let alone the same sentence. Sounds like considerable expense to replace bushings that probably arent worn--hope you prove me wrong. Keep us posted on the results.

[DrDaveCA]

OS - I have verified the bolts are the 3/4's not the 5/8's.

After chasing around trying to find someone that did not give me a blank stare when I mention a Neway suspension, I am taking the coach to a truck/bus alignment shop in Charlotte tomorrow that knows Neway and does not believe the bushing are worn (they also tell me they have the tools to press them out if required), although they admit that it could be the problem since they are 7 years old. They also don't think that 0.2 degrees off for the thrust should be a problem. so I am going to have them do the complete 2 axle aligment for me. I will update you after the trip.

[Wayne R]

Old, I believe the holes in the frame were were CNC laser drilled by an outside supplier. Like I said I may have just got lucky. WRV for the most part never WRVed the chassis.

Gary Jones must have put some idiot proving in the assembly process of the chassis. I too was wondering if DrDave's coach has the 5/8 bolts. Even if it has 3/4 bolts there is some movement available. The holes in the hanger are close to 1/16 oversize as measured by me. Not sure what the "3 /4" holes in the frame should have been.

[wa8yxm]

RE: getting an alignment when you get new tires. Should be standard practice, Is not, but it should be.

Glad you were able to get it quite literally straightened out.