Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Steering Box
| [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #171946] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 02:09  |
kincaid76royale
Messages: 71
Registered: February 2005
Karma: 0
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Hi all:
I am so fed up with the steering box on our GMC that I want to either buy another GMC with a good steering box and trade it out and then resell it or just sell our GMC to some unsuspecting person and go get a SOB motorhome that I can drive.
We have spent $9,000 on the front end, including a $1,500 "Factory, Brand New Box" from Cinnabar and it still has a lot of play in the steering. Every part of the steering is "tight" except for the steering box.
I am afraid to drive this machine to the mountain places we want to see.
We have had this coach for seven years now and still can't do the "big trip".
This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
Thank you for listening to my rant.
Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #171954 is a reply to message #171946] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 04:45  |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
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a good front end man should see it, idler arms can do this as well. If someone watches from under the front while you go back and forth a little with the
steering it should show that some of the parts are not responding like they should, the play will show up. I would say put them on the 16,000 pound
watch window cracking
plastic ramps and go under and watch but they may crack, the ones from harbor freight. Jack up both sides^ and start it and go back and forth with the
wheel the parts that are not tight show up from under -watching. Some times a bolt can be just loose a little bit on the steering box to the frame and it
shows up a lot, if they do not have lock washers they can come loose fast on my dodge vans. Some one has to see what it is. I have had idler arms
make a new front end go all over the place. they are the parts that go to the frame from the front of the suspension and hold it in place, check and
see if the frame is cracked as well that holds the whole thing together, i have had the whole frame being welded back on to the suspension parts.
Look for big cracks hidden around with a mirror and flashlight taped to it to see in spaces out of sight. Some times the whole front end is going to
come off and it is not seen for it is never looked at from that point of view. Just some of the things that has happened to me with my 15 vans that i have
had. Bolts that have been tightened come loose on the steering box if they were not cranked on with the right pressure. Rergards m.
cracks around main structure can do this. cracks in the controller arms can do it, ball joints can do this, wiggle everything to death.
video it and show someone if you cannot pick it up. with a lot of light. from under it.
On Jun 4, 2012, at 12:09 AM, Jack Kincaid Castro valley, CA wrote:
> Hi all:
>
> I am so fed up with the steering box on our GMC that I want to either buy another GMC with a good steering box and trade it out and then resell it or just sell our GMC to some unsuspecting person and go get a SOB motorhome that I can drive.
>
> We have spent $9,000 on the front end, including a $1,500 "Factory, Brand New Box" from Cinnabar and it still has a lot of play in the steering. Every part of the steering is "tight" except for the steering box.
>
> I am afraid to drive this machine to the mountain places we want to see.
>
> We have had this coach for seven years now and still can't do the "big trip".
>
> This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
>
> Thank you for listening to my rant.
>
> Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #171972 is a reply to message #171946] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 08:34 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Hi Jack
Sorry to hear you're having such steering problems.
When I purchased our coach in 2006 it literally had 1/2 turn of play in the
steering wheel, I was WHITE KNUCKLE every time I drove it. I replaced the
steering box with a Napa Part # 88-278080 (old napa # is 27-7519) at a cost
of $200, that's all it took. Now we travel 70 MPH and I can cruise right along
with one finger on the steering wheel. We still have a tad of play, so at the
Goshen rally last September I had Dave Lenzi look at everything, a new relay
lever will take care of that, it's on my TO DO list.
You should talk to Dave Lenzi about your steering issues, I'm sure he could
help. His number is 810-653-3902. Or email mlenzi@charter.net
Ray
Ray & Lisa
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: "Jack Kincaid Castro valley, CA" <kincaid76royale@comcast.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, June 4, 2012 2:09:17 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Steering Box
Hi all:
I am so fed up with the steering box on our GMC that I want to either buy
another GMC with a good steering box and trade it out and then resell it or just
sell our GMC to some unsuspecting person and go get a SOB motorhome that I can
drive.
We have spent $9,000 on the front end, including a $1,500 "Factory, Brand New
Box" from Cinnabar and it still has a lot of play in the steering. Every part of
the steering is "tight" except for the steering box.
I am afraid to drive this machine to the mountain places we want to see.
We have had this coach for seven years now and still can't do the "big trip".
This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
Thank you for listening to my rant.
Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
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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: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172005 is a reply to message #171946] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 12:05 |
KB
Messages: 1262
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
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I saved some notes from the last time steering box part numbers came up.
According to that:
88-278080 is metric
88-278078 is sae without stops
88-277080 is sae with stops
I also have cardone 27-7519 written down, so maybe they have a version too.
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
> When I purchased our coach in 2006 it literally had 1/2 turn of play in the
> steering wheel, I was WHITE KNUCKLE every time I drove it. I replaced the
> steering box with a Napa Part # 88-278080 (old napa # is 27-7519) at a cost
> of $200, that's all it took.
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Karen
1975 26'
San Jose, CA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172009 is a reply to message #171946] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 12:25 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Sir: there are 2 clamps, a u-joint, a sliding blue shaft, a cv joint, and a knuckle joint in the steering column between the steering box and the steering wheel. Any or all of these items can cause lost motion and control. I have replaced 2 of them fiber balls in the steering column this year. Just wore out. Git someone to rock the steering wheel back and forth easy and check everstuff for play. Clamps being loose is not uncommon.
| kincaid76royale wrote on Mon, 04 June 2012 03:09 |
Hi all:
I am so fed up with the steering box on our GMC that I want to either buy another GMC with a good steering box and trade it out and then resell it or just sell our GMC to some unsuspecting person and go get a SOB motorhome that I can drive.
We have spent $9,000 on the front end, including a $1,500 "Factory, Brand New Box" from Cinnabar and it still has a lot of play in the steering. Every part of the steering is "tight" except for the steering box.
I am afraid to drive this machine to the mountain places we want to see.
We have had this coach for seven years now and still can't do the "big trip".
This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
Thank you for listening to my rant.
Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172010 is a reply to message #172005] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 12:38 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Not sure about the numbers, Jim Bounds from the CO-OP told me to buy a Napa
27-7519 and that's what I got. It's nice and tight so I have no complaints.
Ray
Ray & Lisa
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: KB <kab7@sonic.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, June 4, 2012 12:08:19 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
I saved some notes from the last time steering box part numbers came up.
According to that:
88-278080 is metric
88-278078 is sae without stops
88-277080 is sae with stops
I also have cardone 27-7519 written down, so maybe they have a version too.
Karen
1973 23'
1975 26'
> When I purchased our coach in 2006 it literally had 1/2 turn of play in the
> steering wheel, I was WHITE KNUCKLE every time I drove it. I replaced the
> steering box with a Napa Part # 88-278080 (old napa # is 27-7519) at a cost
> of $200, that's all it took.
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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: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172011 is a reply to message #172007] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 12:39 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Wow, $133......great deal !
Ray
Ray & Lisa
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: Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, June 4, 2012 12:15:58 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
I have had good results with the 27-7519. It has the correct input shaft. P-30
application.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/A1C0/277519/02840.oap?year=1976&make=Chevrolet&model=P30&vi=1058846&ck=Search_steering+box_10 58846_1016&keyword=steering+box
KB wrote on Mon, 04 June 2012 13:05
> I saved some notes from the last time steering box part numbers came up.
> According to that:
> 88-278080 is metric
> 88-278078 is sae without stops
> 88-277080 is sae with stops
>
> I also have cardone 27-7519 written down, so maybe they have a version too.
>
> Karen
> 1973 23'
> 1975 26'
>
>
> > When I purchased our coach in 2006 it literally had 1/2 turn of play in the
> > steering wheel, I was WHITE KNUCKLE every time I drove it. I replaced the
> > steering box with a Napa Part # 88-278080 (old napa # is 27-7519) at a
>cost
>
> > of $200, that's all it took.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont by Midas
East Tennessee
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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: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172015 is a reply to message #172011] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 13:11 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jack,
Give me a call and we will get it resolved without you having to spend but $100.
You have a new box, but only as good as how it was set up at some shop.
I feel we can do better and also See the the other things are
functioning properly.
On Mon, Jun 4, 2012 at 10:39 AM, Ray Erspamer <78gmc-royale@att.net> wrote:
> Wow, $133......great deal !
>
> Â Ray
>
>
> Ray & Lisa
> 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: Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Mon, June 4, 2012 12:15:58 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
>
>
>
> I have had good results with the 27-7519. Â It has the correct input shaft. Â P-30
> application.
> http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/A1C0/277519/02840.oap?year=1976&make=Chevrolet&model=P30&vi=1058846&ck=Search_steering+box_10 58846_1016&keyword=steering+box
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> KB wrote on Mon, 04 June 2012 13:05
>> I saved some notes from the last time steering box part numbers came up.
>> According to that:
>> Â Â 88-278080 is metric
>> Â Â 88-278078 is sae without stops
>> Â Â 88-277080 is sae with stops
>>
>> I also have cardone 27-7519 written down, so maybe they have a version too.
>>
>> Karen
>> 1973 23'
>> 1975 26'
>>
>>
>> > When I purchased our coach in 2006 it literally had 1/2 turn of play in the
>> > steering wheel, I was WHITE KNUCKLE every time I drove it. Â I replaced the
>> > steering box with a Napa  Part # 88-278080  (old napa # is 27-7519) at a
>>cost
>>
>> > of $200, that's all it took.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont by Midas
> East Tennessee
> _______________________________________________
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172070 is a reply to message #171946] |
Mon, 04 June 2012 21:59 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
Thank you for listening to my rant.
Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
""
There's a new source for rebuilt gears coming on line shortly from a GM engineer in Michigan.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172912 is a reply to message #172907] |
Mon, 11 June 2012 08:42 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Marcel,
You brought up a really important thing for folks to get their heads around. We are not working on late model vehicles. You do not do a brake job by replacing pads and shoes and bleeding the thing out. You have to consider-- no not just consider but to replace it all. Maybe that way you remove the older parts deep into their envelope of usefulness. The goal should be not to just make it work but to build back in integrity. I tell folks it's not "the list of things to do" that we are interested in rather, it is most difficult to figure out where to stop is the biggest issue and the goal! With old hardware, there does not have to be any reason for something to happen if you rely upon older parts. This is something you guys just have to understand or you will be fixing the same ting over and over again. There are too many issues on the coach to do that. When you work on a system, do it completely and maybe at least that system will have
some integrity. Don't just replace the 2 bag spark plugs when you find them-- replace all 8, the plug wires, cap, rotor and suspect the vacuum advance, advance weights, wiring to the dist., the ground strap and whatver else you see.
Yes, a gear box can make such a difference and the only way to know for sure is to "substitute". You are not doing anything bad in replacing it and with such a chance at making things better-- hey, why not! Thanks for bringing this point up, contrasting views I an sure are out there,
Jim Bounds
----------------------
________________________________
From: Marcel Bourgon <mjbourgon@earthlink.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 8:04 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
I replaced my steering box right after my trip to Alaska. The first
thing I would do next time right after I buy a coach is to replace the
steering box. It's a cheap fix. I do not know why every body fights
this replacement. Our coaches are over 30 years old, I have news for
every body THINGS WEAR OUT. The biggest thing I fought was the constant
wondering of coach. Would have made the trip much more enjoyable.
Marcel in El Paso.--Getting mine ready for summer and fall use
On 6/4/2012 20:59, Bob de Kruyff wrote:
>
> ""This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
>
> Thank you for listening to my rant.
>
> Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
> ""
>
> There's a new source for rebuilt gears coming on line shortly from a GM engineer in Michigan.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #172914 is a reply to message #171946] |
Mon, 11 June 2012 08:51 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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To simplify this you have to have a helper and "shake down" the front end piece by piece
The play can be
1 before the box
2 in the box (as you suspect but don't rule out 1 and 3)
3 after the box
Then any of the above will be additive. Next is the allignment. Cinnabar----if they did the allignment uses the "by the book old specs" with hardly any caster at all and a non neutral toe setting. As me how I know!!!! My front tires were "fish scaling"---- smooth as you ran your hands out to in and sharp and rough as you ran your hands in to out. That means too much toe in. The new consensus is as much caster as you can get and still have zero camber and then set the toe to zero. Toe must be equalized to get the relay and idler pointing straight and therefore the box on centre. (this simple oversight could be the problem in a nutshell) Also buy the Lenzi idler as it can be greased and the Cinnabar unit cannot. Again, ask me how I know! You could also have non properly seated "wandering in the arm" lower balljoints. If you go to a ralley and Dave is there he will inspect the front end in 10 mins and find all the slop. Myself or several others in our group can also do this. Also beware of Cardone rebuilds. This is a general automotive statement as if something is OK at the time of inspection as it goes through rebuiding, it goes out the door, not necessarily "rebuilt". "Good used" would be a better term which can be OK but not have full service life remaining.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #173034 is a reply to message #172912] |
Mon, 11 June 2012 23:03 |
Brian Waddell
Messages: 409
Registered: March 2010
Karma: -4
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Senior Member |
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My coach wanders badly, it has 50k documented miles,I have examened everything in the fron end, replaced idler arm and stabilisers, cheched bushings, ride height correct , rear stub axles are tight and straight. My question....with the coach on stand front and rear I can grap the u joint in the steerin column and rotate it back and forth about an inch bothe ways...someone else mentioned doing this....when I do this the pitman arm does not move....is this normal?... thanks brian...77 ele 455
> Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:42:37 -0700
> From: gmccoop@yahoo.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
>
> Marcel,
>
> You brought up a really important thing for folks to get their heads around. We are not working on late model vehicles. You do not do a brake job by replacing pads and shoes and bleeding the thing out. You have to consider-- no not just consider but to replace it all. Maybe that way you remove the older parts deep into their envelope of usefulness. The goal should be not to just make it work but to build back in integrity. I tell folks it's not "the list of things to do" that we are interested in rather, it is most difficult to figure out where to stop is the biggest issue and the goal! With old hardware, there does not have to be any reason for something to happen if you rely upon older parts. This is something you guys just have to understand or you will be fixing the same ting over and over again. There are too many issues on the coach to do that. When you work on a system, do it completely and maybe at least that system will have
> some integrity. Don't just replace the 2 bag spark plugs when you find them-- replace all 8, the plug wires, cap, rotor and suspect the vacuum advance, advance weights, wiring to the dist., the ground strap and whatver else you see.
>
> Yes, a gear box can make such a difference and the only way to know for sure is to "substitute". You are not doing anything bad in replacing it and with such a chance at making things better-- hey, why not! Thanks for bringing this point up, contrasting views I an sure are out there,
>
> Jim Bounds
> ----------------------
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Marcel Bourgon <mjbourgon@earthlink.net>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 8:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
>
> I replaced my steering box right after my trip to Alaska. The first
> thing I would do next time right after I buy a coach is to replace the
> steering box. It's a cheap fix. I do not know why every body fights
> this replacement. Our coaches are over 30 years old, I have news for
> every body THINGS WEAR OUT. The biggest thing I fought was the constant
> wondering of coach. Would have made the trip much more enjoyable.
> Marcel in El Paso.--Getting mine ready for summer and fall use
>
> On 6/4/2012 20:59, Bob de Kruyff wrote:
> >
> > ""This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
> >
> > Thank you for listening to my rant.
> >
> > Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
> > ""
> >
> > There's a new source for rebuilt gears coming on line shortly from a GM engineer in Michigan.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #173035 is a reply to message #173034] |
Mon, 11 June 2012 23:13 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
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It is not normal to have that much slack.
Check the bolt and nut that is holding the lower shaft to the gear box.
We find that to be a problem on lot of the coaches that come in.
When all the other things like height and alignment is done under the
new specs that we have been using are followed, you'll find that play
in the steering becomes non concerning,
On Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM, Brian Waddell <sperline1@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> My coach wanders badly, it  has 50k documented miles,I have examened everything in the fron end, replaced idler arm and stabilisers, cheched bushings, ride height correct , rear stub axles are tight and straight. My question....with the coach on stand front and rear I can grap the u joint in the steerin column and rotate it back and forth about an inch bothe ways...someone else mentioned doing this....when I do this the pitman arm does not move....is this normal?... thanks brian...77 ele 455
>
>
>> Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:42:37 -0700
>> From: gmccoop@yahoo.com
>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
>>
>> Marcel,
>>
>> You brought up a really important thing for folks to get their heads around. Â We are not working on late model vehicles. Â You do not do a brake job by replacing pads and shoes and bleeding the thing out. Â You have to consider-- no not just consider but to replace it all. Â Maybe that way you remove the older parts deep into their envelope of usefulness. Â The goal should be not to just make it work but to build back in integrity. Â I tell folks it's not "the list of things to do" that we are interested in rather, it is most difficult to figure out where to stop is the biggest issue and the goal! Â With old hardware, there does not have to be any reason for something to happen if you rely upon older parts. Â This is something you guys just have to understand or you will be fixing the same ting over and over again. Â There are too many issues on the coach to do that. Â When you work on a system, do it completely and maybe at least that system will have
>> some integrity. Â Don't just replace the 2 bag spark plugs when you find them-- replace all 8, the plug wires, cap, rotor and suspect the vacuum advance, advance weights, wiring to the dist., the ground strap and whatver else you see.
>>
>> Yes, a gear box can make such a difference and the only way to know for sure is to "substitute". Â You are not doing anything bad in replacing it and with such a chance at making things better-- hey, why not! Â Thanks for bringing this point up, contrasting views I an sure are out there,
>>
>> Jim Bounds
>> ----------------------
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Marcel Bourgon <mjbourgon@earthlink.net>
>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 8:04 AM
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box
>>
>> I replaced my steering box right after my trip to Alaska. Â The first
>> thing I would do next time right after I buy a coach is to replace the
>> steering box. Â It's a cheap fix. Â I do not know why every body fights
>> this replacement. Â Our coaches are over 30 years old, I have news for
>> every body THINGS WEAR OUT. Â The biggest thing I fought was the constant
>> wondering of coach. Â Would have made the trip much more enjoyable.
>> Marcel in El Paso.--Getting mine ready for summer and fall use
>>
>> On 6/4/2012 20:59, Bob de Kruyff wrote:
>> >
>> > ""This will be our last year with ANYTHING GMC unless I can Fix this steering!
>> >
>> > Thank you for listening to my rant.
>> >
>> > Jack Kincaid, Castro Valley, CA
>> > ""
>> >
>> > There's a new source for rebuilt gears coming on line shortly from a GM engineer in Michigan.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #173052 is a reply to message #173035] |
Tue, 12 June 2012 06:00 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Brian,
I had the same problem with the intermediate shaft in Double Trouble when I
first bought it
Reference: Parts Book 78Z page 16-6 Figure 16.020 Key 1 Yoke - end
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/parts/index.html
IIRC the bolt that goes through the yoke is a 7/16 X 14 national coarse. The
Maintenance Manual MM X-7725 Pg 9-62 Torque Specifications - Intermediate
Steering Shaft notes it is to be torqued to 40 - 45 ft lb. I checked the two
supplements MM X-7625 and MM X-7725 and it was not revised. I checked a
torque chart and 45 ft lb is the max for a Grade 5 national coarse bolt
whereas a 7/16 x 14 Grade 8 could be torqued to 65 ft lb. Better yet a 7/16
x 20 national fine bolt could be torqued to 70 ft lb.
I replaced the OEM 7/16 x 14 NC bolt with a 7/16 x 20 NF bolt and tightened
it to 70 ft lb.
End of problem.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Kanomata
It is not normal to have that much slack.
Check the bolt and nut that is holding the lower shaft to the gear box.
We find that to be a problem on lot of the coaches that come in.
When all the other things like height and alignment is done under the
new specs that we have been using are followed, you'll find that play
in the steering becomes non concerning,
Jim
On Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM, Brian Waddell <sperline1@hotmail.com>
wrote:
My coach wanders badly, it has 50k documented miles,I have examened
everything in the fron end, replaced idler arm and stabilisers, cheched
bushings, ride height correct , rear stub axles are tight and straight. My
question....with the coach on stand front and rear I can grap the u joint in
the steerin column and rotate it back and forth about an inch bothe
ways...someone else mentioned doing this....when I do this the pitman arm
does not move....is this normal?... thanks brian...77 ele 455
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #173075 is a reply to message #173052] |
Tue, 12 June 2012 10:19 |
 |
WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jack, I am sure your problem has been solved by now. I am just now reading this thread. When I drove our GMC home, 900 miles, 55mph was as fast as I could hang onto it. It was bad. First improvement was getting the Michelns off the front. Next, I bought a napa steering box for 180 bux, not knowing any better. That helped. Paid a guy in Illinois to fix the rest of it. He might have helped it a little. Drove it to Applied and Alonzo fixed it. Took two trips but he got it to drive better than new, I bet. Last thing he changed was the steering slip coupler. It went from me and a monkey trying to hang onto steering wheel to just one of my fingers, and that is at 75 mph.
So, when I had Alonzo install my one ton I told him it better drive as good as it did when I drove it in. It does but if the rear ride height is not set right it will run me back and forth. Others say it does not matter what the rear ride height is set at, their coach steers good. Mine, it matters.
I do feel your pain and am sorry that you have spent so much trying to get it right. Teri and I were fortunate enough to find Applied GMC and they fixed it. Not everyone can be as fortunate but you can call that number and talk with Jim K. or give Jim Bounds a call. I hate wasting money but I did waste several bux trying to get the frontend right. Don't let just anyone work on it. I would say Dave Lenzi is an expert and a call to him may help. If you can get to Amana I am sure Dave will be doing a seminar. Not every "fix" is relevant to each coach but getting the right "fix" is.
Best wishes,
Dan,
who must depend on others as I am no mechanic
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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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering Box [message #173110 is a reply to message #173052] |
Tue, 12 June 2012 16:37 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Brian, Rob and all,
I too had the same issue with the intermediate shaft as it fastens t
the steering gear shaft. I had a "LOT" of play in my steering wheel
when I first picked up the stretch coach. At the GMCGL Birthday Rally
last year (2011) I had Dave Lenzi look at the entire steering front
assembly and check each piece. I had an earlier style drag link with
worn ends, relay lever that the center bushing was worn and the
intermediate steering shaft lower connector was loose and worn. Dave
tightened the lower bolt to 70+# reassembling the lower part of the
steering shaft. The trick here is using a 29/64" drill to align the
notch in the steering box shaft with the bolt hole in the lower
universal of the intermediate shaft. Bolt used was a grade 8 with a
grade 8 self locking nut. That more than anything else tighten up the
steering. I bought a custom rebuilt relay lever and adjustable drag
link and install them as per Daves instructions. Steering is almost
back to my expectation as 2 fingers going down the road. I still need
to set the ride height and check the front and rear alignment.
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 Buskirk 30' Stretch
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Jun 12, 2012, at 7:00 AM, Robert Mueller wrote:
> Brian,
>
> I had the same problem with the intermediate shaft in Double Trouble
> when I
> first bought it
>
> Reference: Parts Book 78Z page 16-6 Figure 16.020 Key 1 Yoke - end
>
> http://www.bdub.net/manuals/parts/index.html
>
> IIRC the bolt that goes through the yoke is a 7/16 X 14 national
> coarse. The
> Maintenance Manual MM X-7725 Pg 9-62 Torque Specifications -
> Intermediate
> Steering Shaft notes it is to be torqued to 40 - 45 ft lb. I checked
> the two
> supplements MM X-7625 and MM X-7725 and it was not revised. I
> checked a
> torque chart and 45 ft lb is the max for a Grade 5 national coarse
> bolt
> whereas a 7/16 x 14 Grade 8 could be torqued to 65 ft lb. Better yet
> a 7/16
> x 20 national fine bolt could be torqued to 70 ft lb.
>
> I replaced the OEM 7/16 x 14 NC bolt with a 7/16 x 20 NF bolt and
> tightened
> it to 70 ft lb.
>
> End of problem.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Kanomata
>
> It is not normal to have that much slack.
> Check the bolt and nut that is holding the lower shaft to the gear
> box.
> We find that to be a problem on lot of the coaches that come in.
> When all the other things like height and alignment is done under the
> new specs that we have been using are followed, you'll find that play
> in the steering becomes non concerning,
>
> Jim
>
> On Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 9:03 PM, Brian Waddell <sperline1@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> My coach wanders badly, it has 50k documented miles,I have examened
> everything in the fron end, replaced idler arm and stabilisers,
> cheched
> bushings, ride height correct , rear stub axles are tight and
> straight. My
> question....with the coach on stand front and rear I can grap the u
> joint in
> the steerin column and rotate it back and forth about an inch bothe
> ways...someone else mentioned doing this....when I do this the
> pitman arm
> does not move....is this normal?... thanks brian...77 ele 455
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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