| Author | Message | ||
| pat young
Rating: N/A |
Howdy folks I got my first three axle bus in my life, a nice Crown with a ten speed. About 2 weeks ago a friend came by and pointed out something on my two rear axles, they were not lined up with each other. Both of the sets of tires seem to be running straight, there is no more scrub or wear on the front or second set or tires. Just by eye, I would say the stagger in the axles is between 2 and three inches. My mechanic says that there are three possible ways to resolve this. 1st. He said it may be possible to realign the axles by using shims. 2nd. He said some types of dual axle set ups have a large rod that apparently can be threaded or adjusted so that the axles will realign. 3rd. It may not cause a porlbem is everything feels right, and there is no scuffing on the rear tires. So I can just leave it alone. 4th. It might be a problem, ya just never know. He is a great mechanic, one of the best in the San Joaquin Valley (CALIF) He is getting on in years, but still works heavy equipment and is the guy to go to for almost any well-informed opinion. If you really need somebody you can just call in a heartbeat, and could give you quick and accurate information about virtually anything big and diesel, Bill has worked on it. He's like the Google search of mechanics; punch in problem, and out comes answer. He's also very friendly, and has a lot more time to talk becasue he has really slowed down physically. His number is 559 486-2455. You'd probably enjoy talking to him, I always do. So if you're ever in Fresno, stop on by. and if you do, it is customary to bring 6 Michelobs as a peace offering. ---------- So, do any of our Crown or three axle folks want to share some non-classified info on this? I would really hate to have one of the axles fly off on the freeway, because then my wife would be pi**ed, and I would have to promise to do less stupid but enjoyable stuff, she'd give me the sincere safety lecture..... so save me from myself, please, and help me fix this bus. And speaking of good reliable equipment, my 1975 Filipina (produced in the Visayas area) is giving me great service so far. We've only been married two months, but she's already out at the bus yard helping me dismantle (it was sorta like our honeymoon) after the first month, and now knows the undercarriage of some of America's finest school buses. Even got her using my Ingersoll Rand 3/4 air gun, changing lug nuts. These Filipina girls are rugged and tough, and economical. I'd definitely get another one if they came with a diesel and a five speed..... But I got a lifetime guarantee, provided I do regular maintenance and services at the proper intervals. (i.e. oil and filters are cheap, divorces are not) Thanks amigos Patrick Young haveing fun with machinery in Fresno, CA | ||
| John MC9 Rating: N/A |
I know nothing about crowns. With -that- said: If you were to drive (on a straight course) through a puddle and onto a dry area of pavement, you should be able to discern if there is "a drastic out of alignment" problem between the two rear axles. I'd wet the tires and try it, just to settle my worries... A side note: I don't know what anyone else's experiences are, but posting someone's phone number on an Internet bulletin board, does not always bode well with the person answering the phone. It may result in a few thousand calls to that number from undesirable sources. I admit I'm paranoid and cynical, but reality is reality. Unless the guy wanted it posted, I'd ask I@n to edit it out... But hey.... That's only my personal opinion. | ||
| pat young
Rating: N/A |
Howdy John You are probably right, I should have asked Bill first. He is sort of semi-retired, so I thought he would enjoy talking to folks, but it is OK with me to edit out the phone number. And if people want to reach Bill, they can just email me. I'm working with him everyday, we are fixing fire engines and dismantling. But your advice is well taken have a good one patrick Young | ||
| Pete/RTS Daytona (Pete_rtsdaytona)
Rating: N/A |
Hey Patrick- As far as your comments on your "new acquisition"- (your new Filipina wife of 2 months) "... my 1975 Filipina ... is giving me great service so far. We've only been married two months, ... These Filipina girls are rugged and tough, and economical. I'd definitely get another one if they came with a diesel and a five speed....." Those have to be the most insensitive,ignorant, chauvinistic insults (you did insult your wife) I have EVER seen on this, or any board. Unless you were being SERIOUSLY tongue-in-cheek, do us all a favor and limit your posts to bus topics. Your ignorance seeps through like a leak in a black water holding tank. You need to remember "John Bobitt and his wife Lorenea" Pete RTS/Daytona | ||
| David (Davidinwilmnc)
Rating: N/A |
Before I would jump on somebody so harshly, I'd make sure they were not, as you say, being tounge-in-cheek. I tend to assume the best, unless I know otherwise. I've said things jokingly on other boards that were totally misinterpreted, so now I try to keep the humor a bit more obvious. Some haven't learned that, so let's give them a chance to explain before being so reactive. ... just my thoughts. | ||
| pat young
Rating: N/A |
Howdy folks Well, I guess John MC9 was double right about posting phone numbers. Some one got my cell number from a previous post, and then decided to call up and scream at me........at 4:30 a.m. Over a post on BNO?? Apparently this reader did not find humorous my silly analogy about wives and automotive stuff. To show "his respect", he woke my wife up out of a dead sleep, and had her bring the cell to me so he could cuss me out. For anyone who reads my post(s), I always try to throw in chuckle or two, without a sense of humor life would be pretty grim. I am genuinely proud that my wife will work with me. No, she doesn't pull transmissions or do anything dangerous, but she is a darned good helper, and not scared to try mechanical work, any more than I'm scared of laundry or cleaning the bathtub. So to the anonymous Bus Nut with the real bad temper.......take a deeeeep breath, relax, and remember, It was a JOKE. And if my wife didn't find it offensive, then really what business would it be of yours anyway? I'm not someone who draws pleasure from degrading another person. If I had any negative feelings about the Filipino people and their culture, I certainly wouldn't have married someone from that country, help support her friends and family, and plan to retire there. It's a wonderful place, just ask anyone who's been there. You may read what you wish into my post, but I think we've all seen the people who post on many BBs, and whose sole pleasure in life seems to be attacking others' opinions, or tearing someone down at the drop of a hat. Sorry for being off topic, but I do hope we can all learn to lighten up a bit. happy bussin' Patrick Young | ||
| Mark R. Obtinario (Cowlitzcoach)
Rating: N/A |
Congrats on your new bus and your new wife. I hope both provide years of trouble free service! As far as the drive axles are concerned, rarely will both sets line up exactly. Next time you have the bus out, take it through a parking lot and go through a ninety degree or more corner. Before you straighten the bus out check out how the axles line up. You will find one axle will be six or more inches different from the other. You will also find the front drive axle outside tire that is on the inside of the curve really leaning and the rear outside tire on the outside of the curve leaning the other way. It is all designed to do that so things can scrub and lean without breaking the frame. The lean and the scrub will be much worse if you should forget to leave the axle interlock engaged--just as bad or worse as leaving a four-wheel drive locked in four-wheel on dry pavement. Of course if the axles are not lined up after going in a straight line you may have some wear problems that need to be addressed. You have torque arms connecting the front and rear drive axle that have rubber bushings. You have the pivot point for the walking beam that if it hasn't been properly lubed will get some wobble. And you will have some track rods that will have rubber bushings. If all of the wear points are not up to spec things are not going to stay straight. Depending on the vintage, Crown used several different axle setups. In the later years Crown made the air suspension standard on the 10-wheelers. It was done partly to improve the ride but to also reduce the problems of frame cracking (not uncommon in 10-wheeler Crowns). An air suspension will scrub and lean a lot farther than steel springs will. With a full load on dry pavement there is a lot of side thrust loading put on the frame as you go around a corner. Your worst case is you may have a cracked frame rail. Good luck and let us know what you find out. Mark O. | ||
| pat young
Rating: N/A |
Howdy mark Good to hear from you. Yeah, this is my first experience with any 3 axle equipment, even in the army I usually drove a 2 axle tractor. Your info was very appreciated. My bus has springs, not air bags, and I think it is about a 1975. Where should I look for the crack if there is one in the frame? Near the spring mounts? the bus drove OK down some pretty rough grades getting it home from Northern California, the weight and length were actually a bit scary for me, I'm sure glad it had jake brakes. Do you still have that Gillig with the 6V53? Have a good one patrick | ||
| DMDave Rating: N/A |
Nice post Mark, seems like good info. | ||
| dougtheboneifiedbusnut
Rating: N/A |
Hey Mark, Now you got me woried.As you know I have a crown and done extensive work to it.You said that frame craking is "not uncommon" to Crowns which means to me that cracking is infact common to Crowns. I really hope you have something other than some mechanic, with greasy overalls, with a rag hanging out of his back pocket giving you this info cause now I've got to make a bunch of phone calls before I spend more money on this bus. If you are correct, and until now I have usually been comfortable with the info you share with all of us, then I will be indebted to you | ||
| Mark R. Obtinario (Cowlitzcoach)
Rating: N/A |
The biggest problem Crown had was they actually built their buses overstrong. The frame was already strong but to make sure they didn't have any problems with torque twist they doubled up the frame rails between the axles. In some models the frame was actually tripled. Which meant the frame had zero wiggle room. On a two axle bus that really didn't cause that much of a problem. Outriggers or body bows might crack or break but the frame never would. On three axle buses that much rigidity could cause problems. If problems arose, it usually showed up in buses that were used almost exclusively in daily route service on urban streets. The problem was exacerbated if someone were to turn on the axle interlock and not know it. If the frame is going to crack you will find the problem behind the rear axle where the frame rail is only a single piece. As I said before, later models went to the air suspension to reduce the side stress. Also, some models had the double frame rail extended all the way back. If you are going to be driving almost exclusively on urban streets doing a lot of corners you may have some cause for concern. If you are going to be out on the open road you should not have to be concerned at all. Good luck. Mark O. | ||
| Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj)
Rating: N/A |
Hi Pat and Crowns forever and all that. Some Crowns used in heavy intercity service turning tightly all the time sometimes had cracking problems between and behind the tandem drivers on their Crown frames. A Crown fix was to increase (again?) the strength and type of steel used in the frame. Also seems they may (may) have gone to a different type of power assist steering and front axle cut that limited the turning circle. My '74 10 wheeler turns like the Queen Mary One. Check your frame for cracks or signs of welding or splinting repair to the frame. This may be a sign that your drivers are out of alignment. Yeah, they can be realigned at any good heavy duty truck shop. Congradulations on your marriage and ... CROWNS FOREVER!!!  |