| Author | Message | ||
| Steven M. Toomey (Pabusnut)
Registered Member Username: Pabusnut Post Number: 29 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 131.75.34.70 Rating: N/A |
My long awaited world tour is probably now cancelled! The state safety inspection on my 1973 4905 revealed several major items that the previous shop apparently shouldn't have left pass. One major item is a bad tie rod end on the steering and bad joint at the steering gear. The second major item is brake linings that are starting to crack, and one shoe on the rear wheel that is completely backed off while the other one is right up against?! They also mentioned that rust is building up behind the shoe(I assume this to mean in the "corner" of the drum?) I just had the brakes supposedly adjusted at a reputable shop, and no mention was made of this problems with the brakes. The minor items include a non-working windshield washer pump, inoperable low air buzzer(it worked yesterday when I started it, but not today for them), speedometer that doesn't work, license plate light inop, non-working backup lights. Things I knew about were 3 dead bulbs in front clearence lights, and broken lens in the backup lights. The steering I see is the biggest problem, and something I don't want to trust taking on a long trip until it is fixed. My goal of leaving (in the bus) on 8 August is now shot! I won't have time to get the "house" systems finished let alone the now needed mechanical repairs. I know I can get the tie rod end from Luke, but any ideas on the steering? I assume I am going to have to get the steering gear rebuilt. I don't think my repair manual has an exploded diagram of the steering gear itself, and I don't know what brand it is. Any and all thoughts are greatly appreciated. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 1558 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 76.195.74.7  Rating: N/A |
Most steering gear boxes will have some sort of an adjustment, read DA Book!Some do , some don't. The steering may not be perfect , but usually will not simply FAIL. So the first trip will have the coach wandering a bit , so? Brake linings are not that pricy , and frequently only the lining is replaced as it bolts to the shoe. I would purchase new wheel bearing seals before working on the brakes.Turning the drums is no big $$$ deal. As a matter of fact minor cracks in the lining is also OK , if not too huge. IF you can do the work yourself (again no big deal if you have car experience) and a big jack and stout wooden blocks. The front wheel bearing nut will require a socket for its size , but the stamped steel ones are fine as there is usually minor torque . $20 or so. FF | ||
| Mike Eades (Mike4905)
Registered Member Username: Mike4905 Post Number: 214 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 70.126.183.226 Rating: N/A |
I had to replace my steering box. Luke had a rebuilt on that hey put on for me. I ahd a company in Orlando do the front end. New king pins and new tiierod ends. It worked great for ten years and the bus is still being used by a bus nut now. I also put on new shocks because I did a lot of traveling with my 4905. my bus was a tad large rthat FF vw. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1833 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.195.124.20  Rating: N/A |
Steve - ". . . bad joint at the steering gear." What is this joint that the inspector's talking about? Is it one of the u-joint's on the prop shaft from the base of the steering column to the gearbox on the axle? More detail, please. Brake linings that are "starting to crack?" Not cracked, broken, pieces missing, etc? May not be a "fail" item, just a notation for you to watch their condition. What about the thickness - was that a problem? "One shoe on, one shoe off" at that rear wheel tells me that either the shop that adjusted the brakes may have messed up, or that there is something cattywhompus with the adjusting mechanism. Not good to drive this way - overheating leads to fires - so this should be investigated more thoroughly. (BTW, the rear axle does 60% of the braking.) Lack of a speedo is no big deal if you have a working tach. Only challenge (if you don't have either) is knowing when to downshift on grades. Fix the low air buzzer - that's a SAFETY item! May just be a loose connection/bad ground. Other minor stuff is just that, minor. May all be fixable in two/three days if parts are in-hand. Don't give up yet! FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2108 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
In Penna., the speedometer WILL work. Probably u-joint,s on steering gear shaft. You should have noticed sloppy steering.That rust behind the shoe is called rust jacking. Caused by road salt getting in there and eventually pushing lining off the shoes. Glad they were thorough; no need to have unsafe coach on the road. Sorry it messed up your plans. Are you going to do the work yourself? | ||
| larry currier (Larryc)
Registered Member Username: Larryc Post Number: 361 Registered: 2-2007 Posted From: 207.200.116.13 Rating: N/A |
Take a close look at the joint at the steering gear. A lot of those are spring loaded and you pull the cotter pin from the end and give it a turn or two in and the slop is gone. Also if you show an inspector there is a spring in there then he can understand that joint will always have some movement. They didn't write the steering gear, just the joint so don't mess with the gear. The Tierod end is common, Any Supply Truck supply should have one. Count the turns off and try to get one the same length so you don't have to add or subtract turns to get back to the proper toe. If the shoe is thin on that brake it's probably cammed over and will need some new shoes. Take some sand paper to the drum if it's rusty, it will come off or just get the shoes working and they will clean the rust off in no time. Also a bad slack adjuster will let the shoes back off even once they are adjusted, so the shop may have adjusted it only to have the slack back it right back off. A slack is commonly available at truck supply pretty cheap. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 2104 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 174.91.147.226  Rating: N/A |
Random thoughts: What did the shop that did the inspection quote to make these things good? You can shop off the list and have them do the ones you can't. Am I right in reading that you took a vehicle in for a state inspection with known non-functioning lighting and no washer pump???? This is not the way to give the inspector, whose credentials are on the line, any sort of confidence that passing you and your vehicle will not come back to cause his unemployment. I might suggest that the brakes are your highest priority. Nothing much else matters if it won't stop. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| Steven M. Toomey (Pabusnut)
Registered Member Username: Pabusnut Post Number: 30 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 96.25.34.30 Rating: N/A |
Guys, Thanks for all the comments and constructive criticism. I picked up the bus tonight but didn't get to talk in person to the guy who inspected it. I am taking off work tomorrow to do get the in-person rundown on the inspection. I can also find/order/get any parts I need for the stuff it needs. In PA, private shops do the Safety Inspection, which is not a DOT inspection where penalties are involved, but a structured pass/fail criteria by size and type of vehicle. Yes, some of the shops are trolling for work and push the envelope, so when you get a good and fair one, you keep going there. I changed shops for inspection, because the one I went to previously is now closed. I truly want a good inspection per the established criteria. The only real difference between a motorhome inspection an a bus inspection is the frequency. Motorhome 1X and bus 2X per year. A reputable bus place (about 45 min from home)adjusted my brakes, and replaced some air bags and a leveling valve, and it wasn't until I got it home that I realized that the inspection would run out in another 15 days. For the inspection, I didn't want to run too far from home and risk a fine for being out of inspection(costs twice + what an inspection costs). My major concern is time. I can get everything fixed before the planned trip, BUT then I won't have the other things finished , such as running water, or A/C, or 120VAC power. I am taking a deep breath, and one step back to plan what I am going to do---but will know more in the morning. My wife calls me MR SAFETY, and that is the way I like it. There is risk in doing anything, so I prefer to make my risk assessment regarding my family’s safety (and everyone else’s on the road) when I have the correct information. Thanks again! Steve Toomey PAbusnut | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2111 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157 Rating: N/A |
For any future needed engine work, you might want to check out Leid diesel in Newville, Pa. Nice people and very reasonable prices. They rebuilt our 4104 and turboed it several years ago.They specialize in Detroits. If you need someone for mechanical work on coaches, you could check Crawfords in McCoyville, Pa. The family has been repairing coaches for years, Out in the country, but not too bad to get to. Go in a car first, to check out the roads there. | ||
| david anderson (Davidanderson)
Registered Member Username: Davidanderson Post Number: 276 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 67.65.198.228 Rating: N/A |
I have a question? Never thought about this, but is a windshield washer required? It has never come up on my Texas inspections in the past 11 years. I don't have one as I didn't plumb one in when I switched to electric wipers, and I've never found I've ever really missed it. David | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 2113 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157 Rating: N/A |
In Pa., if it had one from the factory, it is expected to work. | ||
| Jack Hart (Jackhartjr)
Registered Member Username: Jackhartjr Post Number: 71 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 64.12.116.203 Rating: N/A |
David Anderson, I thought that too, then looked at the Federal Regulations and found this; Subpart G - Miscellaneous parts and accessories § 393.78Windshield wiping and washing systems. (a) Vehicles manufactured on or after December 25, 1968. Each bus, truck, and truck-tractor manufactured on or after December 25, 1968, must have a windshield wiping system that meets the requirements of FMVSS No. 104 (S4.1) in effect on the date of manufacture. Each of these vehicles must have a windshield washing system that meets the requirements of FMVSS No. 104 (S4.2.2) in effect on the date of manufacture. (b) Vehicles manufactured between June 30, 1953, and December 24, 1968. Each truck, truck-tractor, and bus manufactured between June 30, 1953, and December 24, 1968, shall be equipped with a power-driven windshield wiping system with at least two wiper blades, one on each side of the centerline of the windshield. Motor vehicles which depend upon vacuum to operate the windshield wipers, shall have the wiper system constructed and maintained such that the performance of the wipers will not be adversely affected by a change in the intake manifold pressure. Jack | ||
| Dan Clishe (Cody)
Registered Member Username: Cody Post Number: 152 Registered: 1-2008 Posted From: 206.51.117.126 Rating: N/A |
Sure glad I don't live in a state that requires inspections, everyone knows us busnuts arn't smart enough to actually figure out when an important part of bus mechanicdom is broken that we should fix it, when the bus won't stop there are always 2 options, first one is panic and drag your feet, second one is tell your partner to hold your beer and watch this chit. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1411 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 75.216.30.37  Rating: N/A |
Cody, Another option is get a louder horn LOL Jack | ||
| david anderson (Davidanderson)
Registered Member Username: Davidanderson Post Number: 277 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 67.65.198.228 Rating: N/A |
Thanks Jack, Interesting, in my 30 years of driving vehicles, I've never had any Texas inspection station check a windshield washer. Doesn't mean it's not required, but with that record I'll take my chance for now. It would be a big deal to put one in now that the coach is complete. You guys in the conversion stage should probably put it on you to do list. David | ||
| Steven M. Toomey (Pabusnut)
Registered Member Username: Pabusnut Post Number: 31 Registered: 3-2005 Posted From: 131.75.34.70 Rating: N/A |
Here is a mid-term update! 1. New back-up lights on the way. The old ones disintegrated when I tried to remove them. The new ones were available on the Ryder Fleet products site, and are very similar to the originals. The wiring to the backup-light switch on the transmission was hooked to the wrong wires going to the rear control panel. There are still some "hanging wires" near the transmission I will have to trace. I have a hunch that the low oil pressure switch on the transmission is not hooked correctly either. 2. Rear Door now latches. The steel T-handle mechanism was all rusted and the bolt too tight. 3. License plate lights ordered(Ryder Fleet again). These also disintegrated when i attempted to remove them. Checked, and they do get power. 4. Exhaust Elbow. Looks like they did the "giant pliers" test on it, so now it has a hole in it. Got it partially removed, but will have to use the angle grinder to cut/grind the rest off. Should be able to get this locally and modify for use. Tonight I hope to get the rest of the minor items fixed, or parts ordered. Low Air Buzzer/Light--I can probably swap the "bathroom panic?" alarm for the Low air buzzer. The clearance light bulbs will be ordered tonight(again--used all I had). The windshield washer needs a new reservoir, and possibly a air powered pump. The current one looks like a large plastic mayonaise jar with the pump just laying in the bottom. It leaks like a seive, so if you fill it up, it is empty in 10 minutes! I will put the old speedometer back in(which did work) I have pretty much decided to let the shop fix the brakes and steering, because I don't have the tools or facilities to do them. I can't order all the parts ahead of time, since the drums may already be oversized, and I don't know what wheel seals I have, or what is wrong with the one rear wheel. Making progress! --not so depressed. But will be leaving the Bus at home! Steve Toomey | ||
| Dan Clishe (Cody)
Registered Member Username: Cody Post Number: 153 Registered: 1-2008 Posted From: 206.51.117.126 Rating: N/A |
Jack, would that "louder" horn resemble something like a train whistle? lol | ||
| Brian Evans (Bevans6)
Registered Member Username: Bevans6 Post Number: 58 Registered: 5-2009 Posted From: 65.92.55.101 Rating: N/A |
My neighbour got a ticket the other day for not having a spare bottle of windshield washer fluid. He said the DOT officer told him that everyone has something wrong and everyone gets a ticket... He found the spare bottle later. | ||
| david anderson (Davidanderson)
Registered Member Username: Davidanderson Post Number: 278 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 67.65.198.228 Rating: N/A |
Brian, (QUOTE)My neighbour got a ticket the other day for not having a spare bottle of windshield washer fluid. He said the DOT officer told him that everyone has something wrong and everyone gets a ticket... He found the spare bottle later. If I did install one I'd tee off my drinking water tank, 130 gals. Would I still need a spare gallon of water? Government agencies are looking under rocks for money these days. David | ||
| Jack Hart (Jackhartjr)
Registered Member Username: Jackhartjr Post Number: 72 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 64.12.116.203 Rating: |
My neighbour got a ticket the other day for not having a spare bottle of windshield washer fluid. He said the DOT officer told him that everyone has something wrong and everyone gets a ticket... He found the spare bottle later. And they wonder why we have more respect for pissants than DOT Revenue Enhancement Agents for the State! The jerk in FL said I was not in Jacksonville, FL. The fuel receipt said Jax, the mail addressed to the Pilot goes there, the mailbox is out front, but I wasn't in Jax! Wrote me for falsified logs. Never had a log violation in 35 years of driving these things! If your friend wants to fight that, tell him to call me, 828-three 1 zero, 8111 Jack |
