Air-O-Matic Steering - PD 4107

[Runcutter]

Is there any reason not to put Air-Assist steering on our 4107?  I've read earlier posts, and they all migrage to "Sheppard is Superior."  Of course, I agree - but I'm also the one who signs the checks. 

Yesterday, I visited the shop that'll be doing the repairs (after someone else hit us, broke the windshield, wiper, and pushed in the breastplate).  In discussing steering, he recommended air assist.  With me, was a former GM field engineer (50 years in the bus business, he has a decade on me).  From the shop, we visited one of his former co-workers, similar time in the business but on the truck side.  He said he's put Air-O-Matics on a lot of trucks for his clients, and has some Air-O-Matic kits for $165.00 each.

So, it looks like I could get air assist for under $400-$500, including labor, vs a couple of thousand for Sheppard. 

Also, a post on this topic from a couple of years ago suggested an "off" switch for highway speeds.

To me, it sounds like a reasonable compromise.  Improvement of the steering in town, at a reasonable price - maybe leaving money to paint the coach.  Not as good as Sheppard, but an affordable option. 

Any thoughts?

Arthur

[Dreamscape]

Hi Arthur,

I'm interested in the price you quoted because the complete kit I see on the net is over 1700 bucks! What am I missing? Do you know what is included for that?

I too would like to get rid of the Armstrong steering someday.

~Paul~

[NJT 5573]

I have had it on trucks. There is nothing wrong with it, it works real well. The only time it has a problem on a truck is when you back up and don't hit your dock on the first try. It takes enough air that you have to wait for the compressor to catch up. That should not be a problem with a coach, and if you do use the air up with the bus, chances are your not blocking traffic anyway.

It needs a special steering arm with the brain built into it, but thats not real hard to change out. The rest is pretty easy to install, basically an air supply and some clamps to hook the cylinder to the drag link. I think you would be happy with it.

[gus]

I'm guessing it works like the old GM hydraulic assist which is great during slow speed maneuvering.

However, there is no assist during straight highway driving. There it is no different than manual steering, in fact it is manual steering when the boost isn't working.

Continuous boost would be nice but it is sure better than none. Close quarter maneuvering without it would be torture for an old guy like me.

For that price you can't go wrong.

[TomC]

My bus had air assist steering on it when I bought it.  While it worked well around town (which a transit is designed for), the inherent looseness of the steering mechanism to make the air cylinder work, made for a wondering bus at highway speeds-translated-it was alot of work to keep the bus in lanes.  Plus, it was slow-8.5 turns lock to lock.  My wife refused to drive it because of the looseness-and no there wasn't anything that was worn. 
I scored on another AMGeneral complete Sheppard hydraulic steering including mitre box gear for $800.00.  Course then had to have everything rebuilt, but in the end it was worth it.  The steering is now 4.5 turns lock to lock with finger tip steering.  It used to take several tries to get into my garage, but now I can do it in one shot. 
Take it from one who had air steering-don't get it-invest in Sheppard steering!  Good Luck, TomC