Shop in St Louis

Bob & Tracey · October 10, 2019, 02:59:37 AM

Thanks Richard, I plan to go back to the shop and try to find out what they suspect now that I am calmer... By the way, where in Wi are you? We lived in Cedar Grove.

richard5933 · October 10, 2019, 03:03:13 AM

Quote from: Bob & Tracey on October 10, 2019, 02:59:37 AM
Thanks Richard, I plan to go back to the shop and try to find out what they suspect now that I am calmer... By the way, where in Wi are you? We lived in Cedar Grove.

Just west of Waukesha.

muldoonman · October 10, 2019, 04:44:33 AM

Quote from: Bob & Tracey on October 09, 2019, 05:09:23 PM
Ok this went bad! I found this shop with the help of Coach Net and the shop said they would work on an old bus. They determined that I need the joint at the differential but felt "there might be other things going on in the differential" and because they could not find parts they could not do "all the work needed". When I asked if they would just put in the joint they said no it is too old and they were afraid of the liability! They charged us $700 which they reduced to $335 to tell us we needed a u-joint but would not do the work!

You need to name said shop and call coachnet as they will send another person in there with the same result. Highway robbery to charge 300 bucks for nuttin. Save another soul.

Bob & Tracey · October 10, 2019, 05:04:14 AM

Yes we will be talking to Coach Net.

Bob & Tracey · October 10, 2019, 07:27:46 AM

I got more info this morning. After we lost the driveshaft because the nut holding the pinion flange on backed off, the nut was tack welded on. Now that tack weld is cracked suggesting the nut/flange is moving. They would repair with new parts only. I think I am in the market for a used differential and need to find someone to do the work.

buswarrior · October 10, 2019, 07:51:20 AM

Or it just means the tack has let go from normal operation?

Too easy to screw you by identifying this, and still not solve the problem...

What else was checked and ruled out as being in good repair?

Nothing?

And you want to spend more there?

Complete report or move on.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

chessie4905 · October 10, 2019, 11:39:00 AM

You should see if you can get it to Lukes in Vineland, New Jersey and get it repaired correctly and once. He is also a better source for a differential if needed.

Utahclaimjumper · October 10, 2019, 12:53:41 PM

I still say check the yoke for any loose play,, the tack can be cracked but still not moved.. Brings up another question,, was the nut PROPERLY TORQUED before it was welded??.>>>Dan

Bob & Tracey · October 10, 2019, 02:15:17 PM

Stopped at a TA today who was willing to change the u-joint, the mechanic spent less than a minute under the bus and said the joint was just a tad loose but he could move the yoke around and that in doing so produce strange noises. NO CHARGE!!!

I would love to go to Luke but that is not in the cards, I will be calling him for parts.

Utahclaimjumper · October 10, 2019, 02:26:02 PM

Drain the oil to determine if "parts" are in the oil that shouldn't be... I am looking for good news enough to limp it home where you can control the cost and time frame.. Obviously IF there are broken parts in the oil,, it won't look good.>>>Dan

robertglines1 · October 10, 2019, 02:43:56 PM

where you at today and which way you heading? Bob SW Indiana 15 miles South of I 64

Bob & Tracey · October 10, 2019, 03:51:30 PM

Dan, It is our home that is limping but we have no home to go too. I agree I need to get some lube out to see what it looks like. I think that will determine whether it get driven or towed to the shop.

Bob & Tracey · October 10, 2019, 03:52:59 PM

Robert, We are in Carlyle Illinois trying to go south.

Utahclaimjumper · October 10, 2019, 05:23:10 PM

I understand your plight as full timers,, most full timers still have an area that would be family friendly,,thereby cost friendly and time friendly,,Lotsa luck.>>>Dan

richard5933 · October 10, 2019, 05:34:32 PM

Have you tried calling a local school bus company or charter company to see what suggestions they have? Many of them use a commercial repair shop, and those shops typically will work on other buses as well. In Milwaukee there are two shops, Interstate and Lakeside International. There are probably shops similar to that in your area, as St. Louis is a large metro area.

I see that someone has posted on your behalf on Bus Grease Monkey as well. There are at least a few members within a few hours of you, so maybe someone there will have suggestions for a shop.