Adding Power Steering

Bryan · November 19, 2013, 10:56:38 PM

Hey Guys! Of course I'm new here, I just bought my first bus... GM 4107. The POs had planned on installing power steering but didn't get to it. I have a power steering box, I'm assuming used from another bus. I will post pictures below. I have also been hearing of Shepard? Any guidance would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance

TomC · November 20, 2013, 02:24:16 PM

Hopefully you've looked under your bus at the steering box setup and seen that the steering box is mounted to the front axle. To me, your pictured steering box is for a frame mounted like used in a truck.

Sheppard made the big power steering box for direct mounting to the front axle. When I changed mine, the 90 degree miter box was 1.5 to one for the air assist steering. I also changed the miter box to 1 to 1. Went from 9 turns to 3.5 turns lock to lock and from having to use two hands to finger tip steering at all speeds. Make sure you have a power steering pump that puts out over 2000psi. Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · November 20, 2013, 02:35:04 PM

Doesn't the 4107 have power steering now and the PO was just going to upgrade the steering box ? I wouldn't waste my time installing that box go with the integral power steering

Oonrahnjay · November 20, 2013, 04:23:13 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 20, 2013, 02:35:04 PM... go with the integral power steering

OK, what is "integral power steering"

luvrbus · November 20, 2013, 04:41:17 PM

Bruce Integral steering has a manual steering mechanism,a hydraulic control valve,and a hydraulic cylinder in the steering housing

good luck

RJ · November 20, 2013, 05:01:41 PM

Quote from: Oonrahnjay on November 20, 2013, 04:23:13 PM
OK, what is "integral power steering"?

Simple answer:

If the steering gearbox has hydraulic hoses running to it, that's integral.

If there are no hydraulic lines to the box, but there are to a big slave cylinder attached to the steering drag link, then you've got manual steering with power assist.

Bryan's 4107 should have power assist, GM didn't start installing Sheppard integral until '72/'73.

FWIW & HTH. . .

luvrbus · November 20, 2013, 05:07:00 PM

Ok I meant to add Ross that unit he has is always a problem even on GM's that is the same steering sector used GM transits from the 70's IMO if you go with a Shepard use the D or M series

Look on tag if that is a 492 AP it's not a bad sector set on 1750 psi

Bryan · November 21, 2013, 08:36:31 AM

okay, so maybe the PO didn't install this unit because it wasn't the correct one? Would anyone mind giving me some guidance in what steps I need to take to acquire the necessary parts to install it. I wouldn't be installing it myself, I would have a mechanic do that, but I could go searching for the parts that I need. When you say Sheppard Power Steering, is this a new unit that I can purchase or do I have to find one out of an old bus (sorry I'm a newbie lol).

it's my understanding that I have to have the 1. Power Steering Box 2. Pump 3. Hydraulic Lines... is this correct? Thanks guys!

Paso One · November 21, 2013, 10:40:57 AM

Not sure if this applies to your bus or not but I know on my fishbowl adding the Sheppard power steering box as you have pictured.

Requires a part you have not listed, it is the Radius Rod that is bent to go around the power steering box you just mounted to the front axle.

I have a complete extra kit that I don't have the radius rod for...... When I was stripping the donor bus I didn't realise I needed it

the stock one doesn't work without the bend

luvrbus · November 21, 2013, 11:24:23 AM

The power assist pump is different than the integral pump you need the numbers off the steering sector and pump for the GM guys to help you fwiw all steering sectors are rated for the front axle weight some are adjustable with pressure and some are not

The GM guys like Chris, Wildbob and others can answer your questions if they have the numbers

good luck

Bryan · November 21, 2013, 03:13:09 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on November 21, 2013, 11:24:23 AM
The power assist pump is different than the integral pump you need the numbers off the steering sector and pump for the GM guys to help you fwiw all steering sectors are rated for the front axle weight some are adjustable with pressure and some are not

The GM guys like Chris, Wildbob and others can answer your questions if they have the numbers

good luck

Thanks Luvrbus. Where would I find the numbers for the pump? I was under the impression that I had to buy a pump, but I may already have one? Also where exactly will I find the numbers on the steering sector? Again, I'm a newbie lol, thanks so much!

luvrbus · November 21, 2013, 03:45:17 PM

If I was wanting all the right parts I would call Luke @ US Coach in NJ someone here will have his number you get the price of the upgrade you maybe happy with what you have

You owning a GM Luke is going to be your best friend

RJ · November 21, 2013, 05:52:06 PM

Luke: 1-888-262-2434, M-F, 9-5 Eastern

Since you've mentioned that you'll have to have someone help you install PS (if you don't already have it), there's the Choo-Choo Express Garage not far from you on the GA side of Chattanooga. Several busnuts have had work done there, from routine maintenance to major engine work, all seem pleased.

147 Prater Rd
Rossville, GA 30741
(706) 891-1242

FWIW & HTH. . .

OneLapper · November 21, 2013, 07:23:28 PM

Hey Bryan

Take a look at the bottom of this post for some pictures of the Sheppard power steering system I installed on my 4106. Um, you do not need to remove the axle to install.

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=7748.0

Bryan · November 21, 2013, 09:49:33 PM

Quote from: RJ on November 21, 2013, 05:52:06 PM
Luke: 1-888-262-2434, M-F, 9-5 Eastern

Since you've mentioned that you'll have to have someone help you install PS (if you don't already have it), there's the Choo-Choo Express Garage not far from you on the GA side of Chattanooga. Several busnuts have had work done there, from routine maintenance to major engine work, all seem pleased.

147 Prater Rd
Rossville, GA 30741
(706) 891-1242

FWIW & HTH. . .

Funny thing, the PO I bought the bus from also gave me Luke's number. Must be a good contact to have :-) I will be calling Choo-Choo Express once I figure out what exactly I'm going to need. Thanks for both contacts!