Author Topic: steering play  (Read 2276 times)

George Frudakis

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steering play
« on: April 04, 2022, 06:39:24 PM »
As I drive down the road I must keep moving my steering wheel side to side to keep the coach going straight. Yes, I have adjusted the steering box to the max and have a steering stabilizer installed.
Anything else I can do to stop the wheel play?

Bill Lampkin

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Re: steering play
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2022, 06:52:29 PM »
Check to see if your steering box is TRW or Sheppard. The TRW box is the better of the two. Time to check the front end, tie rod ends, drag link, bushings, etc for looseness/wear. There is an exhaustive discussion on another forum titled "wandering, sway bars, oh my!" Search 'Monaco Watts' for a possible solution.

I have the TRW box and have adjusted the play a bit, much better now. But I will say that I know it is very easy for me to 'overcorrect' the steering when I drive; I now pay attention to my steering corrections!
2005 Patriot Thunder Lexington, 3 slides
40' tag axle (short wheelbase)
525 hp C13

"Goin where the weather suits my clothes..."

Carl Boger

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Re: steering play
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2022, 06:54:48 PM »
How much play do you have?

   On my coach the steering wheel free plays about 1 1/2 to 2 inches and I do have to make corrections, but not all the time.  One thing that keeps me from continually sawing at the wheel is to look farther down the road and try to drive maybe 75 to 100 yards away instead of just a few feet or 30 yards in front of me.

If I don't look far enough out I have to make a lot more corrections.

If it not your driving style you may want to look at your tie rod end and other steering components for wear.
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126