STEERING OUT OF CONTROL

[nyckyschon]

Hi. We have a 27 FT Winnebago Itasca 1994. When we are driving and hit a bump, even a very small one, the steering wheel and column shakes terribly and we can't control the steering. We have had it inspected, and they found nothing wrong. Has anyone else had this problem, and found what it was? Thank you.

[nyckyschon]

Hi. We have a 27 FT Winnebago Itasca 1994. When we are driving and hit a bump, even a very small one, the steering wheel and column shakes terribly and we can't control the steering. We have had it inspected, and they found nothing wrong. Has anyone else had this problem, and found what it was? Thank you.

["007"]

Welcome nyckyschon to IRV2
Good to have you aboard you should get some answers to help you with your problem.
Some questions first,are your tires balanced, what is your inflation lbs of your tires and have you had your coach weight? When you have inspections your front end never showed looseness did it? If you would answer these it will give us some help to help you. Thanks "007"

[Joe-K]

Hi Nyckyschon,

Welcome aboard iRV2. Your question is most likely related to a worn or damaged chassis component on your rig. We're got quite an assortment of members with motorhomes built on just about every chassis produced so I'm sure someone will have had a similiar experience.

What they will need to know though to help is the chassis that your rig is built on. Most likely you've got either a Ford F-53 or General Motors P-30 chassis if your Winnebago is a Class A. If it's a class C motorhome it might be on a Ford or GM van style chassis. All the chassis have different suspension components so the diagnosis will be different.

[charliez]

In my past life of dealing with bigger sized trucks, usually this was caused by worn suspension components, although one time, it was caused by bad tires.

[Cruzer]

If all of the suspension components do indeed check out, it could be a ply separation in your tire. You hit a bump, it shifts, and you get the shakes. Best way to test this is rotate the front tires to the back and then try it. If the shakes moves away from the front and just becomes a bad vibration then it's the tires.

[Gary RVRoamer]

From your description I'd bet on one or more seriously worn front suspension and/or steering components. Need to know what chassis you have to be more specific. Even whether it is a GM/Chevy engine or Ford would help, but in a 27 footer it would help to know whether it is a Class A or Class C and the GVWR of the chassis, so we can tell whether it is the Class A chassis or van chassis. Could be either under a 27 footer.

[nyckyschon]

Hi. It is a class A, with a Chevy engine.
Thanks.
Nycky

[nyckyschon]

Hi. There was no looseness in the front end. The weight has not been checked, and the tires are balanced.
Thanks.
Nycky

[Glenn and Kathy]

Sounds like shocks to me. Tire starts to bounce and nothing to control it. Probobly just on one side. Had that happen on a van once.

Glenn

[Barth Driver]

Bite the bullet and replace your shocks with Bilsteins, add a steering damper and align the front end. If this dosen't correct the problem (and it should)you haven't wasted any money, you have invested in your safety and driving pleasure............

"THE TOY" 88 33' Barth Regal SE Coach #3448

[JRNOLL]

If it were a sedan I'd say that you need a new Idler arm. Also possible new bushings on the suspension components. Try the Shocks and Alignment, first. Also have someone follow you and try to see if it is only one side that is affecting the whole thing. Hope this helps.

[Brazels RV Performance]

This is probably a P32 Chevy chassis.Does your steering wheel move from left to right quite abit if you grab and pull on it?Some of the coaches made in the early 90's had the steering column mounted in plywood.We drill new holes & pull everything together.You can also install a brace over to the driver's door to tighten it up.How much ride height do you have on your front suspension?If your front coil springs are bottoming out this would cause your complaint also.

[DBLSTEAL]

just got on this site. I have a 1995 Damon, p30chassis exact same problem. If the freeway is smooth good ride, however hit a rough freeway dash and column rockn roll side to side. New Bilsteins, New Bilstein Dampener, Safety plus, ipd 1 5/8 front sway bar, new bushings on rear sway, New pan bar on rear from hendersons, Bellcranks from hendersons, alignment specs to henderson's specs, and New GV 670 Goodyear 225/70's . Alignment guy says contact Damon. No luck... So shocks and all these things that i did, had no result. If someone has an answer can you help me to... thanks