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Old 11-02-2008, 01:39 PM   #1
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I just recently purchased a 2000 Fleetwood Southwind Storm class A motorhome (35'). When you hit a bump or even a crack in the highway joints, the steering column moves left to right. This isnt just a small movement, as it seems to be moving an inch or more. Im desperate to find out if this a common problem or is there ANYWAY to resolve this? Any help would be appreciated!
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Old 11-02-2008, 01:39 PM   #2
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I just recently purchased a 2000 Fleetwood Southwind Storm class A motorhome (35'). When you hit a bump or even a crack in the highway joints, the steering column moves left to right. This isnt just a small movement, as it seems to be moving an inch or more. Im desperate to find out if this a common problem or is there ANYWAY to resolve this? Any help would be appreciated!
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Old 11-03-2008, 08:57 AM   #3
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I have 1 1999 F-53 aqnd I do not experience anything like you describe. It certainly deserves closer attention. Isn't there a yoke that secure the column to the dash ? maybe the bolts are loose ?
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Old 11-03-2008, 10:07 AM   #4
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Everything seems to be tight. I have been told to change the shocks out to KONI's. The coach is 8 years old and they are the original shocks. All I know is that it feels unsafe at speed when you hit a bump. I'm going to remove the drivers seat so I can get my head up under the dash this week. If you hear any more on this subject, please let me know! Thanks!
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Old 11-03-2008, 10:25 AM   #5
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How much driving of a vehicle this size have you done? It is a BIG TRUCK and does not handle like an auto or even a pickup. I also have an RV on a 99 Ford F-53 Chassis. I have never experienced the problems you are talking about.
One thing you might try. Have someone else drive the MH while you follow in some other vehicle. My DW followed me and talked via Walkie Talkies. She said that our MH showed very little Swaying or Wallowing when I thought it was. She even said that our MH showed much less movement than city buses did while going over the same terrain.
I have found that as you first get used to any new type of vehicle, things seem much worse than they really are.
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Old 11-03-2008, 11:52 AM   #6
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If you pull on the steering wheel do you see the column move?? And yes you need new shocks if they are the orginals. And I would say you need new shocks all the way around.
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Old 11-03-2008, 12:54 PM   #7
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I havent drove this size vehicle a lot, however I'm mechanically minded enough to know that something is wrong. You cannot move the column when parked, it only moves when you are driving and hit a bump. I have heard everything from shocks to tires, to air pressure, to an alignment. Believe me, I know those components could cause issues, but they would be minor in comparison to this issue. Do any of you guys run Koni's???? And if you do would you recomeend them?
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Old 11-03-2008, 03:04 PM   #8
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mikenkaren

Follow your mechinical instincts...

I have driven all kinds and sizes of vehicles, some quite crude, and have never experienced a steering column that does a sideward movement of an inch or more no matter what else is happening to the vehicle. Bumps on the road, or worn shocks or tires is NOT going to cause that type of action in the steering column. If the steering column is in fact moving when the vehicle strikes bumps, I would be very cautious about driving it. Something potentially serious is mechanically wrong with the vehicle -- steering column mounts loose, steering box loose from the frame (I have seen that one on a car), etc. If you can't find the problem, you need to take it to someone who has the equipment and experience to thoroughly check it out. It may require a lift or jacks that can stress the front end to see if you can duplicate the steering column action while the vehicle is in the shop.
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Old 11-03-2008, 04:40 PM   #9
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I'm not familiar w/ this chassis but I had a problem on a ford where 2 of the bolts holding the steering box to the frame sheared off. I heard them snap and saw them on the ground. The tell tale sign was loose steering and the wheel was turned to about 2 o'clock when driving straight.
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Old 11-03-2008, 04:42 PM   #10
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I appreciate all the input. I plan on getting under there again and double checking all bolts and checking all welds. I will post here again if I find anything. Thanks so far to all who responded!
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Old 11-04-2008, 04:54 AM   #11
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After getting under the front of it this morning, I found that the down tubes that support the firewall to the chassis has broke loose on both sides! This has to be the problem. Im going to work on it this weekend and i will let everybody know what happens. thanks!
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