Quote:
Originally Posted by VP Chianese
The alignment can be perfectly correct and the wheel can still be off to one side or the other. Most of the time it is easier to reset the wheel than so redo the alignment, which by the way may not fix the wheel and it will then need to be re positioned anyway.
When an alignment is started there is a tool that is placed on the drivers seat to keep the wheel as close to correct as possible. Then once the alignment adjustments are done and the toe in or toe out is set the tool is removed. But even after all of that the unit can go down the road with a bit of cock to the steering wheel. This could be due to toe in or out, tire wear, or in the case of four wheel independent suspension, ( I know not our coaches) the rear alignment or tires can cause the problem as well. So there is no simple answer.
So if the alignment is correct just remove the wheel and center it.
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Removing the steering wheel and putting it back on IS NOT a correct procedure for centering the wheel.
Built into the steering box is what is referred to as a "high point". How this is determined to be correct is as follows:
The steering linkage must be disconnected from the gearbox pitman arm.
You will turn the wheel all the way to the left or right until it stops.
Turn the wheel in the opposite direction counting the turns and parts of until the wheel stops again.
Now divide the number of turns by 1/2 and turn the wheel that amount back from the last direction you turned it.
For EX: If you turned a total of four turns from one lock to the other you would turn the wheel back two turns. At this point of turns the wheel should be centered and straight. If not the wheel was put on incorrectly to begin with. Then and only then should the wheel be pulled and moved on the steering shaft splines.
The shaft should be marked at time of original assembly and not have to be turned. I am not above saying the factories do make mistakes.
If you have a wheel which is straight after doing the turning exersise this means the gears in the gearbox are centered properly and relaxed on what is called the "high point". This setting is important for proper handling and being assured the gearbox will turn the same amount of degrees to the right and the left.
If the high point is verified to be correct and the wheel is not straight going on a test drive the corrections should be made with the steering linkage. One wheel must be adjusted in while the other is adjusted out until the front wheels are parallel with the rear wheels.
Many alignment shops avoid doing this because it is a time consumer but a good shop will go the distance to assure they are doing a correct and complete job.
Explain the operation to your alignment shop. If they fail to understand what you are saying don't leave your vehicle there for service. Find someone who does.
A "quick fix is not a good fix"
Lynn
Call CS. If your coach is less than 90 days old, Newmar will pay a shop of your choice to align it 
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