Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » My Bean Station report!
| My Bean Station report! [message #124558] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 10:48  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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First, a big Thank You to everyone that helped me over the weekend. I couldn't have done it without Hubert, Chuck, Mark, Ken, Tom, etc. The help I received in doing the work was as invaluable as the knowledge I gained on how these systems work.
For those that are wondering, the steering is 1000% better than it was. I was astounded at how much more relaxed I was at the wheel on the way home than I was driving down. There is still a 'little' play in the wheel, but not much. I was able to set the cruise control at 60-65 without any concerns. It was wonderful. I was also ecstatic that the squeaking from the front end was gone. I guess replacing brake pads that were worn down to the rivets will do that! I am happy to say that I am excited again to be working on the GMC. Thanks to you all.
The improved steering did allow me to pay more attention to how the rest of the vehicle was working. I have been told that many drivers equate driving their GMC to driving a large mini-van. Unfortunately, my ride was a whole lot rougher in my GMC than in MY mini-van. There were several things I noticed on the way. First there was a bit of left to right swaying in the body. The coach ran straight, but I always felt left/right movement in the cab. Second, at one point route 81 was taking a long sweeping left hand turn as it crossed over an overpass intersecting it at an angle with a slight elevation in the joint. This created a situation where each wheel crossed over the joint at a different time. The front left wheel hit first, then the front right, then the back left and right. By the time all four wheels had crossed over the joint, my GPS had fallen, my drink bottle (luckily it was closed) had fallen off the table and other items in the front had been scattered around. The ride over that joint felt as if there was no suspension involved and all four wheels were directly connected to the frame.
I was not able to get the coach weighed and adjusted at Bean Station so I was wondering if that might account for this. Any thoughts?
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: My Bean Station report! [message #124560 is a reply to message #124558] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 11:01  |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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| thorndike wrote on Wed, 04 May 2011 11:48 |
The improved steering did allow me to pay more attention to how the rest of the vehicle was working. I have been told that many drivers equate driving their GMC to driving a large mini-van. Unfortunately, my ride was a whole lot rougher in my GMC than in MY mini-van. There were several things I noticed on the way. First there was a bit of left to right swaying in the body. The coach ran straight, but I always felt left/right movement in the cab. Second, at one point route 81 was taking a long sweeping left hand turn as it crossed over an overpass intersecting it at an angle with a slight elevation in the joint. This created a situation where each wheel crossed over the joint at a different time. The front left wheel hit first, then the front right, then the back left and right. By the time all four wheels had crossed over the joint, my GPS had fallen, my drink bottle (luckily it was closed) had fallen off the table and other items in the front had been scattered around. The ride over that joint felt as if there was no suspension involved and all four wheels were directly connected to the frame.
Bob
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Bob -- while you were underneath did you check your body pads? More importantly, it could be a question of how much air pressure is in your tires and how high you are riding on your air bags. Getting the ride height correctly set, front and back, then weighing the coach on all wheels, will help you get the correct tire pressure. This can really soften a ride. Ask me how I know. The body pads probably wouldn't have the same effect, but I've been told if your pads are really bad, you'll feel it on bumps in addition to possibly pinching your lines.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] My Bean Station report! [message #124561 is a reply to message #124558] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 11:01 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Robert, If it were me having the symptoms that you describe, I would check
my tire inflation pressures first. Second, I would check the rear ride
height. Third, and this is important, I would jack the rear off the ground,
deflate the air bags completely, and check the front/rear bogie pin bushings
for wear. Do this by having the tire & wheel off the ground, grabbing the
top and bottom of the tire and alternately push and pull the tire towards
you and away from you. If you get any movement that can be heard as well as
felt, the pin bushings, and perhaps the pins themselves are in need of
repair. Bite the bullet and replace all 4. The rear end of a GMC can and
does steer the front end, and you can usually feel it in the form of wind
sway and a kind of hinged in the middle feel in the seat of your pants. It
is more usual than not to find more wear in the leading link pins rather
than the trailing ones. Just what I have found working on several of these
old coaches.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC Royale 403
On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 8:48 AM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com> wrote:
>
>
> First, a big Thank You to everyone that helped me over the weekend. I
> couldn't have done it without Hubert, Chuck, Mark, Ken, Tom, etc. The help
> I received in doing the work was as invaluable as the knowledge I gained on
> how these systems work.
>
> For those that are wondering, the steering is 1000% better than it was. I
> was astounded at how much more relaxed I was at the wheel on the way home
> than I was driving down. There is still a 'little' play in the wheel, but
> not much. I was able to set the cruise control at 60-65 without any
> concerns. It was wonderful. I was also ecstatic that the squeaking from
> the front end was gone. I guess replacing brake pads that were worn down to
> the rivets will do that! I am happy to say that I am excited again to be
> working on the GMC. Thanks to you all.
>
> The improved steering did allow me to pay more attention to how the rest of
> the vehicle was working. I have been told that many drivers equate driving
> their GMC to driving a large mini-van. Unfortunately, my ride was a whole
> lot rougher in my GMC than in MY mini-van. There were several things I
> noticed on the way. First there was a bit of left to right swaying in the
> body. The coach ran straight, but I always felt left/right movement in the
> cab. Second, at one point route 81 was taking a long sweeping left hand
> turn as it crossed over an overpass intersecting it at an angle with a
> slight elevation in the joint. This created a situation where each wheel
> crossed over the joint at a different time. The front left wheel hit first,
> then the front right, then the back left and right. By the time all four
> wheels had crossed over the joint, my GPS had fallen, my drink bottle
> (luckily it was closed) had fallen off the table and other items in the
> front had been scattered aroun
> d. The ride over that joint felt as if there was no suspension involved
> and all four wheels were directly connected to the frame.
>
> I was not able to get the coach weighed and adjusted at Bean Station so I
> was wondering if that might account for this. Any thoughts?
>
> Bob
>
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] My Bean Station report! [message #124565 is a reply to message #124558] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 11:14 |
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Good report. And, glad your steering is much improved.
If you have descent shock absorbers then I suspect the body is sitting on
the frame (literally) and that your next project should be replacing the
rubber pads that isolate the body from the frame. It'll make a bid
difference for the shock and vibrations you'd feel in such instances plus
make it quieter in general. Check with the major sources on those pads. The
real trick will be getting the bolts and nuts to cooperate.
I don't think we speak of the GMC as being like a big mini-van. I'd equate
it to being more like a big van - the standard sized version. Mini-vans are
made on car-like chassis (unibody) and standard vans are on a truck chassis.
To me, there's a big difference.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Robert Peesel wrote:
>
> First, a big Thank You to everyone that helped me over the weekend. I
> couldn't have done it without Hubert, Chuck, Mark, Ken, Tom, etc. The help I
> received in doing the work was as invaluable as the knowledge I gained on how
> these systems work.
>
> For those that are wondering, the steering is 1000% better than it was. I was
> astounded at how much more relaxed I was at the wheel on the way home than I
> was driving down. There is still a 'little' play in the wheel, but not much.
> I was able to set the cruise control at 60-65 without any concerns. It was
> wonderful. I was also ecstatic that the squeaking from the front end was
> gone. I guess replacing brake pads that were worn down to the rivets will do
> that! I am happy to say that I am excited again to be working on the GMC.
> Thanks to you all.
>
> The improved steering did allow me to pay more attention to how the rest of
> the vehicle was working. I have been told that many drivers equate driving
> their GMC to driving a large mini-van. Unfortunately, my ride was a whole lot
> rougher in my GMC than in MY mini-van. There were several things I noticed on
> the way. First there was a bit of left to right swaying in the body. The
> coach ran straight, but I always felt left/right movement in the cab. Second,
> at one point route 81 was taking a long sweeping left hand turn as it crossed
> over an overpass intersecting it at an angle with a slight elevation in the
> joint. This created a situation where each wheel crossed over the joint at a
> different time. The front left wheel hit first, then the front right, then the
> back left and right. By the time all four wheels had crossed over the joint,
> my GPS had fallen, my drink bottle (luckily it was closed) had fallen off the
> table and other items in the front had been scattered aroun
> d. The ride over that joint felt as if there was no suspension involved and
> all four wheels were directly connected to the frame.
>
> I was not able to get the coach weighed and adjusted at Bean Station so I was
> wondering if that might account for this. Any thoughts?
>
> Bob
>
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: [GMCnet] My Bean Station report! [message #124569 is a reply to message #124565] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 11:43 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I just received my new body pad set from Bert & Faye Curtis, can't wait to put
them in as I know it's going to make a huge difference.
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Byron Songer <bsonger@songerconsulting.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011 11:14:24 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] My Bean Station report!
Good report. And, glad your steering is much improved.
If you have descent shock absorbers then I suspect the body is sitting on
the frame (literally) and that your next project should be replacing the
rubber pads that isolate the body from the frame. It'll make a bid
difference for the shock and vibrations you'd feel in such instances plus
make it quieter in general. Check with the major sources on those pads. The
real trick will be getting the bolts and nuts to cooperate.
I don't think we speak of the GMC as being like a big mini-van. I'd equate
it to being more like a big van - the standard sized version. Mini-vans are
made on car-like chassis (unibody) and standard vans are on a truck chassis.
To me, there's a big difference.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Robert Peesel wrote:
>
> First, a big Thank You to everyone that helped me over the weekend. I
> couldn't have done it without Hubert, Chuck, Mark, Ken, Tom, etc. The help I
> received in doing the work was as invaluable as the knowledge I gained on how
> these systems work.
>
> For those that are wondering, the steering is 1000% better than it was. I was
> astounded at how much more relaxed I was at the wheel on the way home than I
> was driving down. There is still a 'little' play in the wheel, but not much.
> I was able to set the cruise control at 60-65 without any concerns. It was
> wonderful. I was also ecstatic that the squeaking from the front end was
> gone. I guess replacing brake pads that were worn down to the rivets will do
> that! I am happy to say that I am excited again to be working on the GMC.
> Thanks to you all.
>
> The improved steering did allow me to pay more attention to how the rest of
> the vehicle was working. I have been told that many drivers equate driving
> their GMC to driving a large mini-van. Unfortunately, my ride was a whole lot
> rougher in my GMC than in MY mini-van. There were several things I noticed on
> the way. First there was a bit of left to right swaying in the body. The
> coach ran straight, but I always felt left/right movement in the cab. Second,
> at one point route 81 was taking a long sweeping left hand turn as it crossed
> over an overpass intersecting it at an angle with a slight elevation in the
> joint. This created a situation where each wheel crossed over the joint at a
> different time. The front left wheel hit first, then the front right, then the
> back left and right. By the time all four wheels had crossed over the joint,
> my GPS had fallen, my drink bottle (luckily it was closed) had fallen off the
> table and other items in the front had been scattered aroun
> d. The ride over that joint felt as if there was no suspension involved and
> all four wheels were directly connected to the frame.
>
> I was not able to get the coach weighed and adjusted at Bean Station so I was
> wondering if that might account for this. Any thoughts?
>
> Bob
>
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: My Bean Station report! [message #124583 is a reply to message #124558] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 13:33 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Ride height and correct tire inflation greatly affects handling. Get those correct BEFORE replacing other stuff.
I'm sorry I did not bring the scales to BS this year. Either Alex's or mine will be at the GMCMI rally in Goshen, Indiana this fall. If you are passing through the NW Indiana area this summer let me know and we can weigh it here.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] My Bean Station report! [message #124597 is a reply to message #124558] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 15:10 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Bob,
Sure glad to hear your good report on your steering! I can't say I'm
surprised at the remaining issues. Others have given you good advice from
their experiences. Here are mine:
First off, I don't remember our checking nor discussing tire pressures --
that's the first thing to check for the hard ride, and perhaps the squirrely
ride sensations.
I DO remember our noticing that your right torsion bar adjusting screw is
all the way IN and the other all the way OUT (or maybe vice-versa -- CRS).
That's an almost sure sign that your rear suspension is out of adjustment.
Balance your load as much as possible without redesigning the interior,
then follow the ride height adjustment procedure at
http://gmcws.org/Tech/height-align.pdf. Note: There are several variations
of height adjustment procedure; most will work if they're iterated a couple
of times -- once is seldom enough. When using any of them, be sure to place
stands temporarily under the frame before reaching into the wheel well to
adjust ride height. SAFETY FIRST. An eventual final check with individual
wheel weights is ideal.
You may recall that I remarked that I couldn't tell what kind of shock
absorbers you have -- I've never seen that color before. A set of KYB's
from JimK would probably be a good investment.
While replacing the body-frame isolation pads won't affect the steering or
ride, it will sure make you think it did! I did notice that your pads are
badly in need of replacement. Squeeks & rattles you don't even notice now
will magically disappear after the replacement, and you may indeed think
you're driving you mini-van. :-)
I enjoyed working with you (I should probably say "...watching you work...")
Ken H.
On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 11:48 AM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com>wrote:
>
> ...
> For those that are wondering, the steering is 1000% better than it was...
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GMCnet mailing list
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] My Bean Station report! [message #124621 is a reply to message #124597] |
Wed, 04 May 2011 22:07 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Senior Member |
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Bob, when you get it right, it will ride like a plane and drive like a new car. These things are great when everything is right. Took us a few years to get our's that way. Jim K's guys got our's in tip top shape. I really doubt there is a better driving coach than our's but I am sure there are many just as good.
Pay attention to what Ken H. just said.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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