Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Wandering steering/response/fishtailing
| Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #351159] |
Thu, 02 January 2020 09:29  |
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74_Coach
Messages: 71
Registered: July 2019
Location: Arroyo Grande, CA
Karma: 0
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Hi Everyone:
I just finished a complete front suspension rebuild including a steering box replacement but steering is still wonky wandering left, right, left, right. I provided the GMC maintenance manuals for an explanation of the ride height adjustment and I know they got the height adjustment correct as they wrote down all of the settings including front camber. But I am not sure the shop adjusted rear wheel camber - at all. I read this thread http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=349032&rid=0&srch=Steering%20problems&SQ=7cb20fdc537ec765b800e80d2b03796b& that a maladjusted camber on the tandem wheels can cause wandering. I have a tru-track that needs installed but not sure it will solve steering wander. And, where would I find alignment shims for the rear if the camber was out of adjustment? I recall seeing an image in the GMC Service supplement that showed shims for the rear alignment.
I posted this question on another unrelated thread and member Larry from WI responded with this valuable information:
Quote:Here is a post copy/pasted to this that I posted a while back. HTH
Most of the time when someone complains of this kind of steering issue, the steering gear is no longer on "high point'. I'm guessing that at some time in the past, someone took your steering shaft apart and did not put it back together right. There is a very specific procedure that needs to be followed to get it back where it belongs. Alex Ferrara has mastered the art of putting it on high point and cured something over 100 GMC's with handling manners. So, driving your coach to Florida to have Alex F. do the adjustment on your steering box is not practical. So check out this set of instructions posted on the GMCphoto site of how to do high point.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/steering-gear-box/p52883-set-steering-box-highpoint.html
Let us know how things turn out.
I am definitely heading back to the shop to see if they can check the steering box for correct center alignment. This shop has been in business for over 45 years and my GMC is not the first one in their shop but probably not with my steering problems. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Ed
Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’
Central Coast CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #351162 is a reply to message #351159] |
Thu, 02 January 2020 10:10  |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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The alignment specs in the book are correct as far as ride height is
concerned. But the camber, caster, and toe in/tow out are NO LONGER
CORRECT. Unless you are buying bias ply tires, which are not in common use
today.
Radial tires present a different footprint to the pavement static, as well
as dynamic. Correct specs should be, "0" degrees Camber, "3" degrees at
minimum, more (up to 5) is better. Toe is subject to discussion. But, front
drive vehicles tend to "drive around" their center axis, so start with +
1/32", and work towards Toe in. MOST GMC COACHES DO FINE WITH THESE
SETTINGS, but there are exceptions to the rule.
As far as the rear goes, wear is more important than specs. The rear
can, and often is responsible for what feels like, for all intents and
purposes, steering wander like you are complaining of. You feel slight
movement of the rear of the coach in your butt, "seat of the pants", and
compensate with slight steering inputs, thus the "right, left, right"
wiggle you are talking about. If the bogie pins and bushings are worn out,
(many, many are) no amount of fixing the front end of the coach is going to
cure that wander. Fix the rear, install your already purchased but not yet
installed stabilizers, and go on to other stuff.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Thu, Jan 2, 2020, 7:30 AM Ed Clerkin via Gmclist
wrote:
> Hi Everyone:
>
> I just finished a complete front suspension rebuild including a steering
> box replacement but steering is still wonky wandering left, right, left,
> right. I provided the GMC maintenance manuals for an explanation of the
> ride height adjustment and I know they got the height adjustment correct as
> they wrote down all of the settings including front camber. But I am not
> sure the shop adjusted rear wheel camber - at all. I read this thread
>
> http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=349032&rid=0&srch=Steering%20problems&SQ=7cb20fdc537ec765b800e80d2b03796b&am p;
> that a
> maladjusted camber on the tandem wheels can cause wandering. I have a
> tru-track that needs installed but not sure it will solve steering wander.
> And,
> where would I find alignment shims for the rear if the camber was out of
> adjustment? I recall seeing an image in the GMC Service supplement that
> showed shims for the rear alignment.
>
> I posted this question on another unrelated thread and member Larry from
> WI responded with this valuable information:
> Quote:
>> Here is a post copy/pasted to this that I posted a while back. HTH
>>
>> Most of the time when someone complains of this kind of steering issue,
> the steering gear is no longer on "high point'. I'm guessing that at some
>> time in the past, someone took your steering shaft apart and did not put
> it back together right. There is a very specific procedure that needs to be
>> followed to get it back where it belongs. Alex Ferrara has mastered the
> art of putting it on high point and cured something over 100 GMC's with
>> handling manners. So, driving your coach to Florida to have Alex F. do
> the adjustment on your steering box is not practical. So check out this set
>> of instructions posted on the GMCphoto site of how to do high point.
>>
>>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/steering-gear-box/p52883-set-steering-box-highpoint.html
>>
>> Let us know how things turn out.
>
> I am definitely heading back to the shop to see if they can check the
> steering box for correct center alignment. This shop has been in business
> for
> over 45 years and my GMC is not the first one in their shop but probably
> not with my steering problems. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Ed
> --
> Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’ | 14,445 original miles as of
> 6/26/19
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #351164 is a reply to message #351162] |
Thu, 02 January 2020 10:17 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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My bad. My cell phone changed the word Caster to camber. Correct specs are
0 Camber, +3 or more up to 5 CASTER, and +1/32" toe . Sorry.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Thu, Jan 2, 2020, 8:13 AM James Hupy wrote:
> The alignment specs in the book are correct as far as ride height is
> concerned. But the camber, caster, and toe in/tow out are NO LONGER
> CORRECT. Unless you are buying bias ply tires, which are not in common use
> today.
> Radial tires present a different footprint to the pavement static, as well
> as dynamic. Correct specs should be, "0" degrees Camber, "3" degrees at
> minimum, more (up to 5) is better. Toe is subject to discussion. But, front
> drive vehicles tend to "drive around" their center axis, so start with +
> 1/32", and work towards Toe in. MOST GMC COACHES DO FINE WITH THESE
> SETTINGS, but there are exceptions to the rule.
> As far as the rear goes, wear is more important than specs. The rear
> can, and often is responsible for what feels like, for all intents and
> purposes, steering wander like you are complaining of. You feel slight
> movement of the rear of the coach in your butt, "seat of the pants", and
> compensate with slight steering inputs, thus the "right, left, right"
> wiggle you are talking about. If the bogie pins and bushings are worn out,
> (many, many are) no amount of fixing the front end of the coach is going to
> cure that wander. Fix the rear, install your already purchased but not yet
> installed stabilizers, and go on to other stuff.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Thu, Jan 2, 2020, 7:30 AM Ed Clerkin via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi Everyone:
>>
>> I just finished a complete front suspension rebuild including a steering
>> box replacement but steering is still wonky wandering left, right, left,
>> right. I provided the GMC maintenance manuals for an explanation of the
>> ride height adjustment and I know they got the height adjustment correct as
>> they wrote down all of the settings including front camber. But I am not
>> sure the shop adjusted rear wheel camber - at all. I read this thread
>>
>> http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&goto=349032&rid=0&srch=Steering%20problems&SQ=7cb20fdc537ec765b800e80d2b03796b&am p;
>> that a
>> maladjusted camber on the tandem wheels can cause wandering. I have a
>> tru-track that needs installed but not sure it will solve steering wander.
>> And,
>> where would I find alignment shims for the rear if the camber was out of
>> adjustment? I recall seeing an image in the GMC Service supplement that
>> showed shims for the rear alignment.
>>
>> I posted this question on another unrelated thread and member Larry from
>> WI responded with this valuable information:
>> Quote:
>>> Here is a post copy/pasted to this that I posted a while back. HTH
>>>
>>> Most of the time when someone complains of this kind of steering issue,
>> the steering gear is no longer on "high point'. I'm guessing that at some
>>> time in the past, someone took your steering shaft apart and did not
>> put it back together right. There is a very specific procedure that needs
>> to be
>>> followed to get it back where it belongs. Alex Ferrara has mastered the
>> art of putting it on high point and cured something over 100 GMC's with
>>> handling manners. So, driving your coach to Florida to have Alex F. do
>> the adjustment on your steering box is not practical. So check out this set
>>> of instructions posted on the GMCphoto site of how to do high point.
>>>
>>>
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/steering-gear-box/p52883-set-steering-box-highpoint.html
>>>
>>> Let us know how things turn out.
>>
>> I am definitely heading back to the shop to see if they can check the
>> steering box for correct center alignment. This shop has been in business
>> for
>> over 45 years and my GMC is not the first one in their shop but probably
>> not with my steering problems. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>>
>> Ed
>> --
>> Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’ | 14,445 original miles as of
>> 6/26/19
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #351168 is a reply to message #351166] |
Thu, 02 January 2020 11:41 |
powwerjon
Messages: 849
Registered: March 2013
Karma: -2
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One thing more, when setting the ride heights you MUST drive the coach
several miles to settle the coach and then take your ride height
measurements. If you require several adjustments, then you MUST drive and
resettle the coach. Failure to do so will cause the ride height to wander
all over the place, and you will be chasing your tail. This is wether you
do just the front or rear or both!
Some articles if you haven't reviewed are here:
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Mueller_Steering_Inspection_Guide.pdf
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Wirth_GMCMH_Steering_Box.pdf
Dave Lenzi provides a procedure on how to center the steering wheel with
his steering boxes and is the correct way to center the steering wheel. I
have a copy at home but NOT with me here in Tucson. If any one has bought
a Lenzi steering box and has the procedure then it would be helpful to post
it. Dave is NOT available at this time.
Other helpful information is listed here:
http://gmcmotorhome.info/steering.htm#CENTER
The GMC motorhome can be a dream to drive when it is setup right and it in
not a one adjustment or componet part that fixes all, but a number of
measurements that result in the final ride.
J.R. Wright
GMC Great Laker
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
TZE Zone Restorations
78 Buskirk Custom 29.5' Stretch
75 Avion (Under going Frame up Restoration)
On Thu, Jan 2, 2020 at 9:49 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Make sure that your tires are not overinflated for the weight you are
> carrying. Inflation information on tires is maximum pressure allowed under
> maximum loading.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Thu, Jan 2, 2020, 8:35 AM Ed Clerkin via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Thank you Jim for the camber/caster specs. Yeah, bias-ply Tire's are now
> a
>> relic and certainly radials change the specs. I need to break in the
> front
>> end first with ~300 miles before heading back to the shop. Front end is
>> sitting high at the moment because of new/tight parts. But just driving
> this
>> beast is a challenge even below 45mph.
>> --
>> Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’ | 14,445 original miles as of
>> 6/26/19
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
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| Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #351169 is a reply to message #351159] |
Thu, 02 January 2020 13:11 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Good Luck. unfortunately if you search, this is way too common of a problem. the "just rebuilt my front end and now it wanders" is all too common of a problem. It all comes down to the entire system at that point. I have seen idler arms installed backward, wrong bushings used. All sorts of crazy things done by "professional". Also always check the lower ball joint, and those bolts come loose way too often after a front end rebuild. There also is some "wrong" idler arms out there.
Start with checking and verifying everything and do not take any mechanic's word for it, verify it yourself.
Like stated above too- you have to drive it between adjustments of not only ride height, but also alignment changes.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363047 is a reply to message #363044] |
Thu, 25 March 2021 17:20 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Much of the "wonky" steering is not coming from the front in these coaches,
but from worn components in the rear. Ever been passed on good roads by a
semi truck and trailer? Next time that happens, take note of when it
happens. Is it from the bow wake? Or is it the stern wake? If it happens
from the bow wake, your bogies are steering the coach. Not the front
steering gear. You feel your coach move or wiggle through the seat of your
pants, and move the steering wheel to compensate for it, and you assume
that because you had to correct tracking with the steering wheel that the
problem exists in the steering. YES, REMEMBER THIS! THE BACK END OF THESE
COACHES CAN AND DO STEER THE COACH!. And they do respond to alignment. My
78 Royale has 130,000 plus miles on the clock. I have taken the lower
steering shaft and C.V. joint apart and made that whole assembly as tight
as possible. If you turn the steering wheel even the slightest bit, it
results in movement at the input shaft of the steering box. Every tie-rod
type part from the pitman arm to the knuckles has been replaced, as well as
the sway bar links and bushings. It helped some, but not perfect. Still had
an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach at high speed. Both hands on the
steering wheel, with white knuckles.
So, I looked at the back. I found that it was in need of an alignment,
and the passenger side forward bogie arm was bent, causing a toe-in
condition. So I built an adapter for my porta-power and bent it back out.
It takes a whole bunch of pressure to do that. My smaller 4 ton unit won't
do it, but my 10 ton unit does. Those bogie arms are forged out of some
really tough stuff. You have to overbend them , and they spring back. I use
a dial indicator when I do them. It gets them spot on. When the bogies are
right, then it drives with one relaxed hand on the steering wheel on good
roads. The Tru-Traks work well also after everything else is right. Never
tried them on quadrabag setups with disc brakes, though. Don't know if they
fit in with that setup.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Thu, Mar 25, 2021, 1:47 PM Ed Clerkin wrote:
> When it was all said and done, I added a "Tru-Track" device to the forward
> tandem wheels and pretty much most of the wonky steering direction went
> away. I also replaced all 6 tires with new Michelins (prior Michelins
> were 7 years old) and control over the steering was significantly
> improved. I
> am now thinking of installing Tru-Track to the rear tandem wheels to end
> some highway wiggling in the rear.
> --
> Ed Clerkin | 1974 GMC Canyon Lands 26’
> Central Coast CA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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>
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| Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363048 is a reply to message #351159] |
Thu, 25 March 2021 17:53 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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I did not see the centering of the steering box mentioned. If not centered, there will slop in the box AND the entire steering linkage will be off to one side going straight. This will cause your symptoms.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363049 is a reply to message #363048] |
Thu, 25 March 2021 18:20 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Goes ALMOST without saying, the first trick out of the box must be to
center the steering box. They almost NEVER are correct. I sent mine to
Seattle to Redhead. Had it back, correct, in about 48 hours. They are no
job for someone who does not know what they are doing. And many have been
replaced with a GM box from the same era. Not the best idea. Coach boxes
are something special.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Thu, Mar 25, 2021, 3:53 PM John R. Lebetski
wrote:
> I did not see the centering of the steering box mentioned. If not
> centered, there will slop in the box AND the entire steering linkage will
> be off to
> one side going straight. This will cause your symptoms.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
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| [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363050 is a reply to message #363049] |
Thu, 25 March 2021 18:46 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Contact me and I will send pages of instruction on centering the gear box.
On Thu, Mar 25, 2021 at 4:20 PM James Hupy wrote:
> Goes ALMOST without saying, the first trick out of the box must be to
> center the steering box. They almost NEVER are correct. I sent mine to
> Seattle to Redhead. Had it back, correct, in about 48 hours. They are no
> job for someone who does not know what they are doing. And many have been
> replaced with a GM box from the same era. Not the best idea. Coach boxes
> are something special.
> Sorry, I forgot to mention that.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Thu, Mar 25, 2021, 3:53 PM John R. Lebetski
> wrote:
>
>> I did not see the centering of the steering box mentioned. If not
>> centered, there will slop in the box AND the entire steering linkage will
>> be off to
>> one side going straight. This will cause your symptoms.
>> --
>> John Lebetski
>> Woodstock, IL
>> 77 Eleganza II
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363051 is a reply to message #363050] |
Thu, 25 March 2021 19:19 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Centering the box is not difficult. It can be and probably should be
accomplished while bolted in to the coach.
But, adjusting for wear is a bird of a different color. Very exacting
work here. If any parts are needed, OTHER THAN SEALS, they are not commonly
available. That's why I recommend professionals to do this. They have most
of the pieces needed.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Thu, Mar 25, 2021, 4:46 PM Jim Kanomata wrote:
> Contact me and I will send pages of instruction on centering the gear box.
>
>
> On Thu, Mar 25, 2021 at 4:20 PM James Hupy wrote:
>
>> Goes ALMOST without saying, the first trick out of the box must be to
>> center the steering box. They almost NEVER are correct. I sent mine to
>> Seattle to Redhead. Had it back, correct, in about 48 hours. They are no
>> job for someone who does not know what they are doing. And many have been
>> replaced with a GM box from the same era. Not the best idea. Coach boxes
>> are something special.
>> Sorry, I forgot to mention that.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Oregon
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 25, 2021, 3:53 PM John R. Lebetski
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I did not see the centering of the steering box mentioned. If not
>>> centered, there will slop in the box AND the entire steering linkage
> will
>>> be off to
>>> one side going straight. This will cause your symptoms.
>>> --
>>> John Lebetski
>>> Woodstock, IL
>>> 77 Eleganza II
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.gmcrvparts.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363688 is a reply to message #363051] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 12:40 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Well lads the front end is done. As far as I can tell the parts are all new and the steering box has been centered. The whole front end setup checks out.
The coach is still a handful to keep straight; maybe not as bad as it was when I drove the 400km to base camp, but still not what I would call OK.
My test drives have been pretty short following all the adjustments, not sure if things will settle in a bit more but now I'm thinking it could be a problem in the rear wheels.
Any advice on how to start checking the situation back there?
thanks
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363690 is a reply to message #363688] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 13:36 |
Bill Van Vlack
Messages: 419
Registered: September 2015
Location: Guemes Island, Washington
Karma: 14
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Senior Member |
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When everything's right, two finger steering is easy.
Bogie Pins can't be loose...
Correct mid/rear wheel toe with porta-power; mid passenger side wheel is often toed in from brushing curves turning right. The bogies move around a lot when turning, so a nice straight approach before stopping and measuring is necessary.
Did you set ride height and confirm after a drive? Same with toe?
Absolutely sure no play anywhere in front? Relay arm can rock and create play.
How much caster do you have?
Bill Van Vlack
'76 Royale; Guemes Island, Washington; Twin bed, full (DS) side bath, Brazilian Redwood counter and settee tops,455, 6KW generator; new owner a/o mid November 2015.
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| [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363692 is a reply to message #363688] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 13:42 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
I have been involved with the steering issues starting in 1990 when most
were starting on RADIAL TIRES. The Bias Belted tires were great, but I
could not get but 20,000 miles before they wore out.
What is the BIG DEAL of radial tires???
About 8 years ago I started to find out that our ORIGINAL front
alignment specs were not useful.
Once the FACTORY publishes such data, it is almost impossible to have it
changed, therefore the expensive alignment machines are storing worthless
data and think it is great when it is worthless.
I learn from people that know a lot and are willing to share.
The latest specs to follow for front end is:
To in/out: Negative 1/16"
Caster: 3- 4 1/2 degrees Positive
Camber: Slightly Negative.
I try to have my tech start with such small BS procedure as air pressure,
rear and front height (both sides) play in the rear pins and Front end
Knuckle/ bearing play,
Do we have 100% success??
No, mabe 80%.
I am open to discuss with all on this or other issues on the phone, please
never Gmail as it is totally non business,
On Sun, Apr 25, 2021 at 10:41 AM wrote:
> Well lads the front end is done. As far as I can tell the parts are all
> new and the steering box has been centered. The whole front end setup checks
> out.
> The coach is still a handful to keep straight; maybe not as bad as it was
> when I drove the 400km to base camp, but still not what I would call OK.
>
> My test drives have been pretty short following all the adjustments, not
> sure if things will settle in a bit more but now I'm thinking it could be a
> problem in the rear wheels.
>
> Any advice on how to start checking the situation back there?
>
> thanks
>
> Larry
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 39,000 miles, PO said everything
> working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system ..
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363694 is a reply to message #363688] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 13:30 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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New parts arent always good enough. Everything has to be tight, the alignment has to be spot on, the bogies need to be tight.
________________________________
From: twlldeen@gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2021 12:40:50 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing
Well lads the front end is done. As far as I can tell the parts are all new and the steering box has been centered. The whole front end setup checks
out.
The coach is still a handful to keep straight; maybe not as bad as it was when I drove the 400km to base camp, but still not what I would call OK.
My test drives have been pretty short following all the adjustments, not sure if things will settle in a bit more but now I'm thinking it could be a
problem in the rear wheels.
Any advice on how to start checking the situation back there?
thanks
Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 39,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system ..
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363708 is a reply to message #363692] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 23:25 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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jimk wrote on Sun, 25 April 2021 11:42Larry,
I have been involved with the steering issues starting in 1990 when most
were starting on RADIAL TIRES. The Bias Belted tires were great, but I
could not get but 20,000 miles before they wore out.
What is the BIG DEAL of radial tires???
About 8 years ago I started to find out that our ORIGINAL front
alignment specs were not useful.
Once the FACTORY publishes such data, it is almost impossible to have it
changed, therefore the expensive alignment machines are storing worthless
data and think it is great when it is worthless.
I learn from people that know a lot and are willing to share.
The latest specs to follow for front end is:
To in/out: Negative 1/16"
Caster: 3- 4 1/2 degrees Positive
Camber: Slightly Negative.
I try to have my tech start with such small BS procedure as air pressure,
rear and front height (both sides) play in the rear pins and Front end
Knuckle/ bearing play,
Do we have 100% success??
No, mabe 80%.
I am open to discuss with all on this or other issues on the phone, please
never Gmail as it is totally non business,
On Sun, Apr 25, 2021 at 10:41 AM wrote:
> Well lads the front end is done. As far as I can tell the parts are all
> new and the steering box has been centered. The whole front end setup checks
> out.
> The coach is still a handful to keep straight; maybe not as bad as it was
> when I drove the 400km to base camp, but still not what I would call OK.
>
> My test drives have been pretty short following all the adjustments, not
> sure if things will settle in a bit more but now I'm thinking it could be a
> problem in the rear wheels.
>
> Any advice on how to start checking the situation back there?
>
> thanks
>
> Larry
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 39,000 miles, PO said everything
> working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system ..
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Thanks Jim, I call you in a few, right now back working on the Onan.
thanks
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363709 is a reply to message #363694] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 23:28 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Keith V wrote on Sun, 25 April 2021 11:30New parts arent always good enough. Everything has to be tight, the alignment has to be spot on, the bogies need to be tight.
Ok, know dick about the bogies yet other than I just installed JimK's greasers ...how do I check that the bogies are indeed tight? What part needs tightening?
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: Wandering steering/response/fishtailing [message #363710 is a reply to message #351159] |
Sun, 25 April 2021 23:46 |
Bill Van Vlack
Messages: 419
Registered: September 2015
Location: Guemes Island, Washington
Karma: 14
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Senior Member |
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There are pins in the bogie box, one per bogie, that allow the bogies to swing up and down. Those pins wear, as well as the bushings they ride in, and become loose. The GMC vendors sell replacement pins and bushings.
Bill Van Vlack
'76 Royale; Guemes Island, Washington; Twin bed, full (DS) side bath, Brazilian Redwood counter and settee tops,455, 6KW generator; new owner a/o mid November 2015.
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