reducing steering wander

[powerboatr]

with only 10k miles on the chassis, i think i have a bit to much steering wheel slop or wander
is there a procedure to tighten the steering gear or is it time for new rod ends

my rod ends do not seem sloppy, but 1/16 here and there adds up pretty fast

[RickO]

With only 6000 miles on my coach I had a lot of wander. Henderson's in Grants Pass tightened up the steering gear but I sure don't know what the process is. They said it was pretty sloppy.

It made a lot of difference but I also added a steering stablizer and motion control units at the same time so I can't say how much just the steering gear adjustments would have made.

Good Luck,

Rick

[Triker56]

You can access the nut to tighten it, through the frame rail the steering box is attached too.
It doesn't take much of a turn to change it.

[Clonetrooper]

I adjusted the slack in my steering and it made all the difference in the world. Like Triker said the adj is on the side of steering box that is next to framerail. There is a hole in framerail and locknut with adjustment screw in center is accessed thru hole. Lossen nut, turn screw clockwise to remove slack , small amounts at a time. Be sure to retighten lock nut securely!!! You can turn steering shaft that comes from steering wheel with your hand where it comes thru floor. Steering shaft goes into box right there so you can see any play in steering system by turning steering shaft going into steering box, but there is a u-joint right there below floor and it maybe greasy. Motor does not need to be running to check for play while turning shaft, but it is harder to turn shaft.

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clonetrooper I adjusted the slack in my steering and it made all the difference in the world. Like Triker said the adj is on the side of steering box that is next to framerail. There is a hole in framerail and locknut with adjustment screw in center is accessed thru hole. Lossen nut, turn screw clockwise to remove slack , small amounts at a time. Be sure to retighten lock nut securely!!! You can turn steering shaft that comes from steering wheel with your hand where it comes thru floor. Steering shaft goes into box right there so you can see any play in steering system by turning steering shaft going into steering box, but there is a u-joint right there below floor and it maybe greasy. Motor does not need to be running to check for play while turning shaft, but it is harder to turn shaft.

thank you
sounds pretty straight forward. thats what i was looking for before i try new bellcranks or other items

[wirelessenab]

I found the steering gear adjustment in a hole in the drivers side rail. I forgot to write it down, but believe I used a 3/4 socket to loosen the lock nut. The slotted screw was at the 12 o'clock position. I turned the screw until tight, which was about 1/8 turn, or at the 2 o'clock position. I then re-tightened the lock nut.

I took the coach out for a 20 mile test drive today and the difference is unbelievable! Much more precise steering, no wander, no "sawing" the steering wheel back and forth. Drives just like a tight, new car.

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wirelessenab I found the steering gear adjustment in a hole in the drivers side rail. I forgot to write it down, but believe I used a 3/4 socket to loosen the lock nut. The slotted screw was at the 12 o'clock position. I turned the screw until tight, which was about 1/8 turn, or at the 2 o'clock position. I then re-tightened the lock nut. I took the coach out for a 20 mile test drive today and the difference is unbelievable! Much more precise steering, no wander, no "sawing" the steering wheel back and forth. Drives just like a tight, new car.

old bones willing, i am going to do this in the morning


I survived a day at the va hospital so i think i can cheat death with this little project


ricko
we have a peanut to, little adoptadroppedoff puppy
great little dog

[Clonetrooper]

Glad to help!

This is the best maintenance job I have done to my DP. Really makes a difference having no play when towing dolly with SUV between semi and concrete barriers on highway. Inches to spare. I drive large trucks alot but this scenario always gets my attention. While you are under there give the front steering a shot of grease, especially the front wheel side to side swivels or kingpins. One of our F70 trucks, very similar to these chassis is in truck shop today, only 36000 miles and the front end is completely shot due to lack of grease.

[powerboatr]

did the job today
took a 1/4 turn on the adjusting screw, while hand turning the steering shaft and watching the rod ends.
need a road test this weekend hopefully
and i did a little greasing as well since i wiggled my svelte frame under the coach
thanks again ALL

[Clonetrooper]

If ypu took 1/4 turn you should notice some difference, thats about what I turned the screw on mine and it went from like 1-1/2 inch or so of turning play on the steering wheel to zero play or sports car like response. Like another post said after he fixed his , he wanted to keep driving past their destination but his DW made him stop. About 8000 miles since my last adjustment and it already needs a little adjusting.
Very nice looking dog, the adopted ones are always the best.

KC

[Midniteoyl]

Just a word of caution: Tightening this screw too much will cause the steering to NOT come back to center on its own. You want it tight enough to remove play, but not so tight you have to help the wheel return to center.

[Clonetrooper]

Yes, it will bind the bearings and worm gear. A little bit at a time. It will also cause faster wear and shorten box life.

[WD40]

Robert, I hope the test drive went well this weekend. Good luck, see you soon maybe.
Doug

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WD40 Robert, I hope the test drive went well this weekend. Good luck, see you soon maybe. Doug

i didnt get a chance to go driving.....weather was horrible this weekend

yup we need to run up and now that i know of a cg next door, it could be soon