bell crank

[lathe11]

hey guys, i have a 1999 coachman sportcoach 38' dp with 20,000miles it seems to wander left to right steering seems loose to the feel, have had it checked out and all seems fine underneath no visible wear or play but being new to this i have been reading about changing bell cranks and adding new shock and steering has anyone else had this problem and what was the fix if any? Also, i know it is a freightliner chas but what model?? thanks this is my first mh and intend to do a 5000 mile round trip in march want to drive it instead of steering it the whole way!!!

[RickO]

If you search steering stablizers on the forum you'll find countless threads on this topic. The way all that data has settled out in my head leads me to a couple of conclusions:

* Some make the very good argument that if these after market devices such as bell cranks and steering stablilzers were all that great, the OEMs would install them. Another

*Some brag about how well their coaches handled when new, but others (such as mine) came off the dealer's lot wandering all over the road. In my case it was my first RV of any kind and I didn't know what to expect out of a 40' diesel pusher and I'm sure others also find themselves asking "is this normal"?

*Some also make the excellent argument that things like steering stablizers are just band aids which hide real problems which should be fixed properly.

All good arguments but after a trip to my dealer and two to Frieghtliner shops I took my coach to Henderson's Line Up in Grant's Pass, Oregon. They performed a service I think they call "Road Test Assessment" where they first ask you what problems you've been noticing then they drive your coach, with you in the passenger seat, around about a 10 mile loop and comment on what they find. They then inspect your coach, perform a four corner weight, and give you a written assessment along with recommendations and cost estimates. I think the RTA was about $160.

I ended up having them install a Safe T Plus steering stabilizer, new Super Steer bell crank, and SS Motion Control Units.... as well as a steering gear adjustment. The change in how my coach handled was remarkable. I'm now going to soon add the trim kit which is now available for the stabilizer so steering bias can be adjusted on the fly to correct for cross winds, road crown, etc.

Best of luck to you...

Rick

[lathe11]

Rick thanks for your info and if i were in the area i would take there in a heartbeat, that being said is there a facility as such in the upstate new york area ? Have safety plus, would shocks make a difference to this condition? Also there is mention of tacking up on the steering will this help? Thanks

[RickO]

I know they have trained and certified many other shops but they don't seem to list them on their website. They say to contact them for a dealer near you. Check it out and drop them a note. They're good people.

Steps of the Motorhome Road Performance Assessment

Do you have a Safe T Plus installed already and your steering is still too loose?

I've read where many people rave about improvements from new shocks but i haven't been through that yet myself so can't help there. I'm also not familiar with what is meant by "tacking up on the steering" unless it's referring to adjusting the steering gear... it which case, by all means. I think you might even be able to do that yourself if you search how here on the forum. I haven't done it myself yet but it doesn't sound too tough and I'm going to try it when we get some nicer weather.

Rick

[1ciderdog]

Brazel's Ultra Power in Centralia, Washington also does great things with handling - the Brazel website lists a dealership in Pennsylvania. I don't know if that dealship in PA only does the ultra power or if they also do handling & suspension. Give them a call or perhaps another member will recommend a shop near you. This is the contact info from Brazel's website: S&S RV Service40 Knight RdGettysburg, PA 17325(888) 345-0149
George Scott e-mail:sns4rvs@comcast.net

[Cat]

Make sure you have someone check the steering box. There is an adjustment for the clearance between the worm gear and sector. It will give you that loose feeling. And wander back and forth. And its an adjustment so no parts to buy.