Tech Talk: June 2017
Equinox Towing
First, I tow a 2016 Chevy Equinox behind my Blue Bird Wanderlodge motorhome. When I make a right turn, the front end of the car wobbles back and forth. The only way to stop this is to come to a complete halt and then resume moving forward.
I have spoken to my Chevy dealer service manager, and he thinks the problem is caused by the fact that our vehicle has electric power steering, since it is a 4-cylinder model. The 6-cylinder Equinox has hydraulic power steering.
Speaking to various RVers, I learned a similar wobble situation is known to involve Jeep Cherokees, and Fiat Chrysler, maker of Jeep, found a way to correct it.
I am wondering whether any other FMCA members are experiencing the same issue with their Equinox, as any suggestions certainly would be appreciated.
Ralph Marino, F111272
Lake Wales, Florida
Editor’s note: Family Motor Coaching associate editor John Johnston is compiling a list of Equinox owners who have experienced the wobble problem while flat towing. Contact him at jjohnston@fmca.com or (800) 543-3622.
Off-Center Steering
We have a 34-foot 1994 Thor Motor Coach Four Winds motorhome built on a Ford F-53 chassis with a 460-cubic-inch engine. Then, we had the front end aligned, the king pins replaced, and a new set of tires installed. But the steering wheel is crooked, and the workers at the shop didn’t know how to straighten it. So, we contacted Ford customer service, but they have not responded yet. Any ideas?
Rose Marie Eveland, F463117
Grand Bend, Ontario
Next, if the shop you go to for an alignment doesn’t know how to “reclock” your steering wheel, you’re taking the motorhome to the wrong shop. If there is a Big O Tires shop in your area, it should be able to correct the steering wheel’s position. If not, search the Internet for “truck chassis alignment,” which should provide a selection of shops.
Also, when we contacted Ford about your problem, a product communications spokesman suggested that you consult with a Ford dealer. He also referred to a technical service bulletin (Article No. 98-21-20) that provides instructions for setting the steering wheel alignment for Ford 1994-1997 F Super Duty motorhome chassis. The instructions say:
1. Align the front wheels to the straight-ahead position. This can be achieved most accurately by driving the vehicle straight for about 50 feet.
2. From under the vehicle, remove the bolt that attaches the coupling shaft to the steering gear.
3.Remove the coupling shaft from the steering gear using light force on the yoke with a pry bar or by lightly tapping the yoke with a screwdriver and a hammer.
4. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.
5. Reinstall the coupling shaft to the steering gear, moving the steering wheel as required to align the coupling shaft splines with the steering gear input shaft splines.
Note: Because of the limitations of tolerance stack-up and the number of splines on the steering gear, it may not be possible to get perfect alignment of the steering wheel. Usually it can be adjusted to within 5 degrees of center when driving straight.
6. Install a new coupling shaft yoke attachment bolt (N803942-S100) and torque it to 30-42 pound-feet. If the old bolt is reused, it must be reinstalled with Ford Threadlock and Sealer (EOAZ-19554-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5).