Forum Discussion
j-d
Jun 02, 2015Explorer II
^^^If the steering box is too tight, they any input from the driver is exaggerated once the driver's pressure overcomes the tightness in the box...
Is the play in the wheel with wheels straight ahead? There WILL be play if you check with wheels off center. If you DO adjust it, check throughout steering range. I've found that tight close to center can lead to drag when off center. You'd feel it coming out of a turn. In other words, getting too much center play out of it caused it to bind off-center.
On a much older Ford E350, I adjusted to get play out of the box. That aspect worked. But then it leaked! I got a rebuilt steering box. That coach was nearly 20 years old with about 100,000 miles. Different game than yours.
If you're gonna adjust the box, be sure to HOLD the adjustment screw as you loosen the jam nut. Then, after "tightening" the adj screw, HOLD it in that position while you tighten the jam nut.
FYI - Hendersons Lineup has a good reputation in RV ride/handling work, and they recommend Safe-T-Plus. It'd be the "140" model (silver color, I believe, for Class C) and remember you remove OEM Damper AND Brackets. Must install Safe-T-Plus version of the brackets. OEM doesn't allow for the larger diameter of S-T-P. Good thing about Hendersons, they choose the products they consider best and don't stick to just one manufacturer. They sell lots of Roadmaster products, but in Steering Stabilizers they like S-T-P.
Is the play in the wheel with wheels straight ahead? There WILL be play if you check with wheels off center. If you DO adjust it, check throughout steering range. I've found that tight close to center can lead to drag when off center. You'd feel it coming out of a turn. In other words, getting too much center play out of it caused it to bind off-center.
On a much older Ford E350, I adjusted to get play out of the box. That aspect worked. But then it leaked! I got a rebuilt steering box. That coach was nearly 20 years old with about 100,000 miles. Different game than yours.
If you're gonna adjust the box, be sure to HOLD the adjustment screw as you loosen the jam nut. Then, after "tightening" the adj screw, HOLD it in that position while you tighten the jam nut.
FYI - Hendersons Lineup has a good reputation in RV ride/handling work, and they recommend Safe-T-Plus. It'd be the "140" model (silver color, I believe, for Class C) and remember you remove OEM Damper AND Brackets. Must install Safe-T-Plus version of the brackets. OEM doesn't allow for the larger diameter of S-T-P. Good thing about Hendersons, they choose the products they consider best and don't stick to just one manufacturer. They sell lots of Roadmaster products, but in Steering Stabilizers they like S-T-P.
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