Power Steering Problems

[Andy Coleman]

I installed a new PS pump in my 83' FC-35, and replaced my reservoir
with a new vented one built by Babb Steering.

I replaced the belts and changed the fluid.

The front wheels still do not like to turn when stationary. When I
turn the wheel all the way, mine does not squeel - the steering wheel
actually shakes. It turns better at slow speed, but that is hard to
do in a tight area.

I too live in a house with limited back yard space to turn my bird
around. It is time consuming.

I was very surprized (still am) about the poor turning characteristics
of the FC-35. I have a 35' rear engine thomas bus, and it turns much
tighter.

If anybody finds a way to improve upon this, please let us know! Good
luck Graham!

Andy Coleman
83' FC-35
Spring Lake Hts., NJ


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> Let me throw this out...
>
> My 82 FC had pretty much the same symptoms you describe for the two
> years I owned it. I, too, had read the posts here about it, and was
> just "enduring" it waiting for the whole thing to crap out so I would
> be forced to address it.
>
> Just before I sold it, I was driving and lost all PS suddenly. I
> figured that I would finally need a new pump on its way out the
> door. Upon investigation, I found that I had thrown off the ps belt,
> so I figured that I would just replace the belt first on the outside
> chance that it would return to "normal".
>
> What I found was that replacing the belt sovled a huge amount of the
> original problems. The effort was lower, the strange sounds stopped,
> the kickback stopped, it was better than it had even been. I guess
> the old belt was either too loose or too worn to turn the pump
> effectively.
>
> You may want to replace your belt before you do anything else.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ridgemede310"
> wrote:
> >
> > I'm having a problem with the power steering on my '83 FC-35, and
> > after looking through the archives I'm afraid I probably know what
> the
> > answer is, but being a "new" BB owner; just wanted the experts to
> > confirm my suspicions of needing a new or rebuilt PS pump.
> >
> > The problem I'm having is that I can only turn the wheel less then a
> > 1/4 turn when the coach is stationary. Beyond that point, the wheel
> > stiffens up, accompanied by some loud squealing and growling. When
> > moving, it seems to work ok, but at low speeds (such as when parking
> > in a tight spot) it doesn't want to turn more then a 1/4 turn of the
> > wheel. When I took a test drive prior to purchasing it, all worked
> > fine during the brief trip. Now however, it's a different story. I
> > was able to back the coach into it's storage spot by making what
> > seemed like a 30-point turn, but I need to move it to a different
> > location soon and I'm at somewhat of a loss as to what I'm up
> against
> > in terms of the repair. Considering the time of year & weather, I'd
> > like to get a mobile mechanic out to look at it if I can, but not
> sure
> > I'd have much luck with that. How involved of a R&R job is this?
> >
> > Graham
> > Baltimore, MD
> > 83 FC-35
> >
>