steerable tag

[al perna]

Now My coach like many others came with a steerable tag axle . Some where in time a PO decided to disengage this funtion .

My question is ??

can I restore its funtion ? if so what would I need to do .

thank you ahead for your help in bringing back a BB option

Erika & AL
20000 LXI ML
Ormond Fla

[Arcticdude]

While its probably doable, from my understanding the "fix" was to weld them in the straight ahead postition and turn off the electrics to prevent it from trying to turn. The unwelding might not be too tough. Depending on how the electrics where turned off might make it tougher. Hopefully the electrics weren't removed.

[davidbrady]

Hi Al,

Charlie Vaughn and Dick Warren both have experience with the Ridewell steerable tags. I'll see if I can dig up a number for Dick; Charlie should be around shortly. I know I wish I had a Steerable tag, it's a great feature and from what I understand they work very well if properly maintained. On occasion I'm also in contact with Bill Mattocks, principle engineer of Ridewell. He's very helpful and can provide guidance; I'll get you his contact info. I think there were several versions done by Ridewell. Do you happen to have a model number or any documentation on yours? Sometimes there's an ID tag on the axle itself.

[cvaughn]

The steerable Tag axle does not have any mechanism that causes it to steer. The axle follows in the direction that keeps the tires from sliding as the bus is turned. At 15 mph the Allison transmission tells the ecm to actuate an air cylinder to push a pin into place to lock the axle in the straight position. I would only guess that to weld it straight one would unhook the air cylinder, push the looking pin into the lock position and weld it. I doubt anyone would go to the trouble and expense to have their Allison transmission recoded so it would not send the signal. If the air cylinder is unhooked, nothing would happen anyway. To answer your question, I am sure it can be reversed. What it would cost, I have no clue. I would talk with Josam in Orlando. They are the premier suspension shop.

[davidbrady]

Thanks Charlie,

Just a couple questions:

1) Is your Tag steering and locking mechanism stock or did you modify it?
2) Once the pin is locked, above 15mph, do the tires track straight and true?
3) Any signs of wear patterns on the Tag tires?
4) Does the steering also work in reverse?
5) Would you recommend anything to improve performance or does it work fine as is?
6) Do you know the GAWR for your Tag?
7) Do you have any pictures or documentation for the axle that you can share?

Thanks!

[gondolaguy]

What I remember from past reading on the subject is that the steerable axles, while a good idea on paper, caused the unit to be tail-happy and wander when on inconsistent pavement. This would likely be due to the added potential for play in all the moving parts that allow the steering. It would also explain why they would weld the axles straight versus just relying on the pin to hold it firm. You should check to see if yours is welded as that would make it much harder to restore the feature.

No matter what the current thinking as to being able to restore it or maintain it, I would question the fact that the factory saw fit to weld them straight. That is a pretty radical fix and one that would make me suspect that there is no perfect mechanical fix. I will agree that there could be several series of steerable axle, that could make a difference.

Although this is probably common knowledge, it took me a while to figure out how to easily tell a steerable tag versus non. It turns out it's very easy. Steerable tags have "front wheels" on the tag versus deep dish rear wheels on the non tags.

[al perna]

Thank you all for the replies , Charlie is correct the fix was to drop down the pin and weld it in [place . The work was done by Johnnie at parloment coach . When we were there during the coachworx rallie , Johnnie shared this info with me . I ws also thinking josams may be the place to go , but Mon I plan to call Stengle a listed Ridwell dealer to seek advise .
David , I have noticed wear on the outside of the tag tire recently, but this was not the motive for a repair . I simply like the idea and have a coach that is equipted and plan to restore it function .
thank you to all , I will post the findings of my call to stengle mon .

[cvaughn]

(03-17-2013 11:50)davidmbrady Wrote:  Thanks Charlie,

Just a couple questions:

1) Is your Tag steering and locking mechanism stock or did you modify it?
2) Once the pin is locked, above 15mph, do the tires track straight and true?
3) Any signs of wear patterns on the Tag tires?
4) Does the steering also work in reverse?
5) Would you recommend anything to improve performance or does it work fine as is?
6) Do you know the GAWR for your Tag?
7) Do you have any pictures or documentation for the axle that you can share?

Thanks!

#1 I have not modified the axle in any way.
#2 Yes they do track straight. I have been told they have a slight amount of Toe-in, but I cannot say for sure.
#3 With the correct air pressure, as determined by weight, the tires wear perfect.
#4 The tag axle does work in reverse.
#5 Works fine as is.
#6 I really don't know.
#7 Somewhere I have a picture showing the wear on the bushing in the rod eye of the connecting to the pin before I replaced it. I also have an 11x17" Ridewell drawing as provided by Bill Mattocks. I will work on the picture. I don't have any way to scan the drawing.

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[quote='davidmbrady' pid='1008' dateline='1363531803']
Thanks Charlie,

[davidbrady]

Thanks for the info Charlie. You might be able to take a digital photo of the drawing. I've done this for docs larger than my scanner and it can produce surprisingly good results.

[cvaughn]

I hope I have attached a picture showing what to look for as bushing in the suspension start to fail. The red rust indicate the bushing is starting to move around. This particular bushing is on the lockup system of my tag axle.