It's been a while since I've posted anything except software updates - but at the urging of NewbeeMC9 (Jon) here goes ...
Always been kind of scared to take the bus into the "dealership" but finally bit the bullet & took her to MCI outside of Chicago, IL. last week. Des Plaines actually. The place we had been taking it to the past 2 - 3 years hadn't made any progress on our bus's "lean" and being somewhat OCD, a lean while driving is quite discomforting.
Just as an FYI, they had what I think is a pretty good price on an express oil change & check up. $250 plus supplies. something like that. I was expecting much worse. Service writer, Steve was very personable. I told him it was intimidating bringing my old MC9 in amongst the seemingly miles of $500,000 buses. He told me not to be concerned & that we'd be well taken care of. :o So far, he's been true to his word. :D
They were very thorough on the bus checkup. Good to know what they found. Nothing major thank the Lord! But gives me something to work through. They also seem to have a good handle on the bus "lean" problem as well.
I'm picking up the bus this Friday after only a week, so we'll see how it all turns out! Will keep all posted.
Next up for our Moose bus - hosting wife's brother & son for a week. Then taking a large group of our friends and our kids' friends camping.
Happy bussin' !
Kind Regards, Phil
Phil, where are you going to go camping?
I hope thing are going well for you, it's been a while since we talked. Glad to hear you found someone you have some trust in to work on your bus.
I'll be up in Wheaton in July for a 40th reunion for out old Wheaton Free Church youth group. I'll try to give you a call and stop by to say hi and see your bus.
Dean
WVaNative
Dean, that would be awesome!! Love to show you the bus & visit.
We'll be at the Mendota Hills Campground for our camping trip:
http://www.mendotahillscampground.com/main.asp?id=5 (http://www.mendotahillscampground.com/main.asp?id=5)
We are still appreciative of the assist you gave us on the hitch referral. That is still a piece of art - ;D
We just had a family member graduate from Wheaton College! Small bus world.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kind Regards, Phil
When I take our coach in at the beginning of the season, I ask them to adjust the brakes for me. It's such a pain to get under the bus to do it.
Hey Phil that sounds great I will give you a call when that time nears.
We used to camp at Wood haven Lakes, The in-laws had a site there and it was far enough away but not too far. We used to ride our bike up there. Enjoy your camping trip.
Dean
Excellent idea qayqayt,
By the way, do you have them do the visual inspection, or actually pull the wheels & inspect, adjust, etc.. ?
This time, I just had them do the visual inspection w/o pulling the wheels. No idea what to expect should they pull the wheels, guess I need to get an estimate.
Dean, I'm looking forward to it. :-)
Kind Regards, Phil
Whoo Hooo!!!
After years of having a leaning bus, I have a lean "no more"!!!
My hat is off to MCI - Des Plaines. Wow! Seriously, I was stressed out driving our bus when it had that lean. Had to be at least a 4" to 5" difference in height between one side and the other. Also had taken the bus to two different shops in two different states prior to this for the same thing. Spent no small amount of $$ on the repair over at least a 2 - 3 year time period. I am one happy bus boy.
In case anyone is looking for potential problems, mine was caused by the tag axle dump valves leaking and drive axle right side upper plate bolts leaking air. Dump valves were replaced, and drive plate bolts were re-sealed. Also the leveling was adjusted, tested. The bus holds air a lot better now. ;D
My service advisor Steve Carney gave a dollar & time estimate & stuck to both of them. Even better.
OK, now I'm sounding like an advertisement - not meant to. I'm just real happy now. Much more fun driving the bus. Looking forward to camping soon. :-D
Kind Regards, Phil
All ways good to hear a happy ending/begininig :)
Thanks for posting it.
Phil, are you trying to tell us your bubble is on level, or your now on an even keel???? LOL
WVaNative