Safe T Steer

[Pete Masterson]

Wikipedia: drag link

A drag link converts rotary motion from a crank to a second crank or
link in a different plane or axis.

The term is commonly used in automotive technology for the link in a
four bar steering linkage that converts rotation of a steering arm to
a center link and eventually to tie rod links which pivot the wheels
to be steered. A drag link is used when the steering arm operates in
a plane above the other links. The drag link converts the sweeping
arc of the steering arm to linear motion in the plane of the other
steering links.

An alternate steering mechanism is a rack and pinion, a three bar
linkage that eliminates the drag link by directly moving the center
link.

The length of a drag link can affect the geometry and thus the
steering ratio. Severe wear of this part can affect the wheel
alignment such as Toe in or Toe out settings. This can drastically
affect the handling and stability of the vehicle at speed.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Idaho Springs, CO



On Aug 11, 2008, at 4:34 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

> I will keep the information flowing on this. I will tell the fellows
> about lifting the bus to get the grease to her. IS THAT A BB ONLY
> SITUATION? Or is that common to heavy stuff? Ok sounds like the safe
> T Steer may or may not be the ticket. What's a Drag Link? All
> appreciated. I'll have a list of online information for the shop. I
> told them I would do so and I think they are fine with it. Some
> places like to think they already know it all. This shop seems to be
> willing to accept some in put and that makes me feel more comfortable
> taking the bus to them. They've apparently had enough experience to
> know they don't know it all or, they are humoring me.
> John Heckman
> central Pa
> 1973 FC
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>
>> I have Safe T Steer on my 73. Was on there when I bought the
> coach.
>> I asked Jeff Miller about it. He said he usually takes them off.
>> Due to an old alement I have (Lazyness), I left mine on.
>> The huge "Drag Link" my 73 has can be adjusted at both ends. Also
>> the plates that hold the steering box to the frame sometimes
> loosen.
>> Make sure these are tight.
>> When having the front end greased, make sure all the weight is off,
>> so the grease can penitrate, so I have been told.
>> .
>> Another problem with these Birds, is that as they grow older, the
>> space between the steering wheel and the Pilots seat decreases, and
>> makes it harder to get seated... (My Wife didnt buy that one
>> eather) :-(
>> Jack Smith
>> 1973FC31
>> SoCal...
>>
>>
>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64"
>> wrote:
>>>
>>> That's one of the things I may consider for my girl. I am taking
>> the
>>> bus in to the frame, alignment and suspension shop on the 19th
> for
>> some
>>> diagnostics and repairs. Don't know yet what is required. I
>> suspect
>>> tie-rods and shocks and perhaps more. I am expecting to to have
> to
>>> pretty much mortgage the farm to get her back out of the place
> but
>> what
>>> do you do? I've gone this far and I feel she's well worth the
>> expense.
>>> I think I will eventually need springs and shackles but may put
>> that
>>> off for a year depending on what I am faced with immediately. I
>> trust
>>> these fellows so am expecting to have good results. I'll see
> what
>> they
>>> think about the safe T steer , I am certain they are familiar.
>>>
>>> John Heckman
>>> central Pa 1973 FC.
>>>>
>>>> Installed my new Safe T Steer unit today .Makes a big
> difference
>> in
>>> the
>>>> way the old Bird drives. Lee Condosta 85 PT 40 Holden Beach N.C
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
>
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