Steering play in E350

[Bea_PA]

We have a 2012 24V on a 2011 chassis. We have a lot of wandering and steering seems loose. The unit has 14,000 miles on it. Is this a known problem with this chassis?

Anyone had this issue?

[Harvard]

Yes, TPI, a quick check to assess the possibility, and, it does not cost anything.

I remember back in 2010 before I learned about +caster I was determined I was going to tighten up the steering box adjustment to attempt to fix my symptoms. The only thing that stopped me from doing so was the fact that the adjustment is almost impossible to access on the E series. At the time my unit had 11,000 miles on the ODO.

[tpi]

Harvard, you would agree a quick check of the steering linkage is a good idea? Invest 5 minutes or so to rule out looseness?

FWIW listen to Harvard on the caster issue. This is a valuable point-a huge point. But it isn't absolutely everything that is wrong with E series handling. We have to be open to other issues here too.

[Harvard]

On the topic of worn linkages etc etc one needs to follow the Jayco Class C Forum to realize new owners with brand new rigs are experiencing the same "loose steering" at highway speeds

[tpi]

Excessive play in steering linkage will result in dynamic loose steering. To me it is a very annoying dynamic. It is not just limited to a stationary effect. But in general I agree that the issue very well could be caster settings. I think that any reasonable troubleshooting effort would rule out looseness in steering linkage. Especially given how easy it is to do. And that it is relatively common, even in newer low mileage trucks.

[Harvard]

tpi wrote:

fourthclassC wrote:
with 14,000 miles on it there should be no "play" or any worn out components in the front end. Wandering related to something else - mis-alignment, tires....

This is simply not true. Steering gear could be out of adjustment, parts could be defective. The check is so easy, it should be done to rule out this problem. The tone of the OP ("steering seems loose")would strongly point to ruling out actual looseness in the steering linkage.

I think we need to establish the difference between a stationary "loose steering" and a "dynamic loose steering". The loose steering involving too little +caster is a "dynamic loose steering" at highway speeds.

At highway speeds (with no disturbances) one should require only slight pressure changes with no tendency to wander. When there is too little caster there is actually a dead zone between left and right which we are describing as "loose steering".

[tpi]

fourthclassC wrote:
with 14,000 miles on it there should be no "play" or any worn out components in the front end. Wandering related to something else - mis-alignment, tires....

This is simply not true. Steering gear could be out of adjustment, parts could be defective. The check is so easy, it should be done to rule out this problem. The tone of the OP ("steering seems loose")would strongly point to ruling out actual looseness in the steering linkage.

[Harvard]

Beware of the "tweak the toe, you are good to go!" alignment.

The vehicle will need different Camber and Caster adjustment bushings such as Ingalls 594 concentric bushings to get the extra 2 degrees of caster.

Explain to the alignment shop up front that you expect to get more caster from their alignment.

[fourthclassC]

with 14,000 miles on it there should be no "play" or any worn out components in the front end. Wandering related to something else - mis-alignment, tires....

[tpi]

While I think the caster discussion is on point and beneficial, I do think you need to distinguish between loose steering and wandering due to incorrect caster. It never hurts to have someone watch your front suspension while you turn the centered steering wheel back and forth a half inch to an inch, and be sure that movement translates to the front wheels. On my E450 there is no play in the steering, all movement moves the front wheels at least a little.

[Harvard]

Reducing the front tire pressure to the minimum required pressure serves to make the maximum use of the +caster the exists on the vehicle. Increasing that caster from +3.5 to +5.5 makes a world of difference, far more difference then just adjusting the pressure.

[Bea_PA]

We need to get it weighed and check the charts, DH has it at 65 which I think is to high for this little unit, then off to the garage for alignment. I hooked the car up to see what it would do and when it lightened up the front end , it was a thrill ride. Thanks

[PSW]

I had the same problem when we got our rig. I took it to a place that understood alignment of Ford trucks and they set it and it made all the difference in the world. No special equipment, no shock replacement, just a proper alignment took care of the problem for us. AND, setting the front tires to the proper pressure.

Our Phoenix Cruiser is 24 feet long on a 350 and I run about 62 pounds in the front tires. Ford has the front end set for sort of general purposes when it leaves the factory. As I recall, the specs are very wide they provide for the alignment and a bit of positive castor seems to do the trick since it is now a motorhome and not just a bare railed truck.

Paul

[K_Charles]

Ford aligned the front end before the camper was put on it. Go get it aligned.

[leeper]

HARVARD is 100% correct. I took his advice and got my front in aligned at a truck alignment shop. What a difference it made. Also should in stall a Henderson rear track Bar from Hendersons Line-up.