Community Forums

Laara · 07-10-2019, 04:52 PM

Just got our first DP and steering wheel has about 3 in play. Initially we thought to install couple of steering stabilizers additionally to one that is already there (TrueCenter, smth with the button that you can push). But wondering if it is better first to look into this "play". If anybody had this problem and was able to solve it could you advise? We called Freightliner and they want to look at it but maybe it is something that we can do ourselves? How difficult is it to look at steering box? We have to have a motorhome ready for travel in 2 weeks, would be nice to fix it sooner.
Thanks!

Cessnapilot · 07-10-2019, 05:51 PM

Laara,
Take a read through this thread. A lot to be learned before you spend money that may not give you positive results.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/wand...my-124491.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laara

Just got our first DP and steering wheel has about 3 in play. Initially we thought to install couple of steering stabilizers additionally to one that is already there (TrueCenter, smth with the button that you can push). But wondering if it is better first to look into this "play". If anybody had this problem and was able to solve it could you advise? We called Freightliner and they want to look at it but maybe it is something that we can do ourselves? How difficult is it to look at steering box? We have to have a motorhome ready for travel in 2 weeks, would be nice to fix it sooner.
Thanks!

Laara · 07-10-2019, 07:23 PM

Thank you! Looks like a lot of info in there.

Ivylog · 07-11-2019, 12:53 PM

Hopefully you have the adjustable TRW steering gear box...slide underneath and on the side of it, in plain sight, there is a 3/4" jam nut on a bolt with a straight slot notch in it's end. Loosen the jam nut (hold bolt from turning) and then turn it half a turn CW. Tighten jam nut and without the engine running, see how much play you now have. If still more than 1" you probably need 30 degrees more CW.

If there is no adjust bolt/nut you have a Sheppard box and nothing you can do other than replacing with a TRW.

I'm parking the following for future reference:
Shock Loads to the Gear
If the steered wheels receive a shock load, the shock forces are transmitted through the sector shaft to the rack piston, and on to the worm
shaft. The internal geometry of the steering gear causes the control
valve to send high-pressure fluid to the correct cylinder cavity to resist
the shock forces. By absorbing the shock forces hydraulically, the
steering gear prevents objectionable kickback at the steering wheel.