loose steering

[freewill2008]

Good information and great post. Its worth noting that the '81 and '84 have
different steering boxes. The adjustment process is a little different for each
box, and the 91SP may have yet another model. The blue box manual is a must.

This may not be a job for the first-timer, but its not a lot of shop time to
have it done. In any case its always good to understand what you expect the shop
to accomplish. I did mine with reasonable confidence because I've done a couple
of bench rebuilds on boxes from smaller trucks.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
>
> Be very careful about playing with the sector shaft adjustment. Each
> steering box has a "high point" when it is centered. This high point should
> line up with travel straight down the road. If it is not centered when the
> sector shaft end play is adjusted it cannot be set correctly. Each side of
> center the free play is greater because the steering geometry in the
> alignment is trying to return the wheels to center and this will provide the
> "loading. I have seen many alignment problems, especially if the steering
> wheel has been removed and not replaced on center. When an alignment is
> performed the shop makes sure the wheel is centered. If the wheel center
> is not aligned with the steering box center point you can have a very loose
> feeling in the steering. To properly adjust the sector shaft preload, you
> MUST disconnect the steering box linkage, make sure the steering box is
> centered, and use a torque wrench on the input shaft to set the preload
> without hydraulic pressure on the box. There are instructions in with the
> steering gear information in the "blue box". Most folks the think that
> sector adjustment helped have set it so tight that the preload is having the
> same effect as a steering damper by offering resistance to movement. If you
> talk to a rebuilder they will tell you that it is very rare to find gear
> wear in a steering box but too much preload will wear parts. If it is found
> the gears have to be replaced. Most rebuilds involve seals and hydraulic
> parts.
>
> I was lucky, the alignment person was busy the day I took our Wanderlodge in
> for alignment and they let me check it while I was waiting. I discovered
> that our steering was about 4" off center. I put a mark on the wheel and
> had them align using my mark as center. I reset the wheel after I got home.
> That was the only correction the alignment needed and it made a big
> difference! Bob is correct, tires can make a BIG difference.
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>
>
> _____
>
> From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of freewill2008
> Sent: Friday, July 24, 2009 12:04 PM
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: loose steering
>
>
>
>
> Chuck - Here are some relatively simple and inexpensive things I've done to
> greatly improve the "wander":
>
> - Keep the kingpins well lubed. Lube them by getting the front wheels off
> the ground and run the steering back/forth during the lube process.
>
> - New front shocks. I did this to improve the ride, however controlling the
> front spring motion also reduced the wander.
>
> - Adjust the steering box. There is a sector shaft and a cross shaft. Both
> benefit from re-adjusting the preload after years of use. The job is easy
> enough but you need the steering box manual, an inch-pound torque wrench,
> and a helper. The front wheels need to be off the ground for this one also.
>
> A set of fresh premium grade front tires will usually improve the way the
> rig steers.
>
> Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII
>
> >
> > I don't know how much "wander" there normally is in a Wanderlodge but
> > I have noticed my steering is a little loose especially on highway
> stretches where they have partially repaved a lane. My question is
> > there any easy way to tighten up the steering?
> >
> > Chuck Harrison
> > Akron, Ohio
> > 90 SP36
> >
>