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11-02-2008, 01:39 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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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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11-02-2008, 01:39 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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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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11-03-2008, 08:57 AM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 86
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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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11-03-2008, 10:07 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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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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11-03-2008, 10:25 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 205
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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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11-03-2008, 11:52 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 225
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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.
__________________
https://www.bbrv.dreamstation.com
2000 Itasca 35U
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11-03-2008, 12:54 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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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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11-03-2008, 03:04 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Forest River Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ...East Texas
Posts: 5,325
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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.
__________________
Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
2022 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
towing 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
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11-03-2008, 04:40 PM
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#9
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Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 87
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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.
__________________
2009 Monaco Camelot 42 PDQ
2004 Z71 Tahoe
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11-03-2008, 04:42 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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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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11-04-2008, 04:54 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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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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