Buying a new steering wheel

Bryan · February 26, 2014, 07:12:29 AM

You guys may remember a month or 2 ago I showed a bunch of parts that I had received with the bus. I'm excited to announce we had everything necessary to install power steering except for the hydraulic lines. So in 2-3 weeks we are taking it to the shop to have this done. I'm so excited. I will probably want to purchase a smaller steering wheel so that I will have even less play in the steering. What do you guys suggest for size, where to purchase, and how to know it will fit? Thanks!

Utahclaimjumper · February 26, 2014, 10:11:08 AM

Google,, VIP steering wheels. They are the largest custom manufacturer of what you need, they do have a wheel that will adapt to your bus in several diameters.>>>Dan

Ed Hackenbruch · February 26, 2014, 11:47:21 AM

I never cared for the small steering wheel that somebody had put in my bus. Just personal preference i guess. I managed to find an original one from the same year bus and when i put it in i wondered how much more play there would be.......haven't noticed any difference at all.

luvrbus · February 26, 2014, 02:00:45 PM

Small steering wheels are for owners with big bellies I have been told

I always have heard going from a 16 inch wheel for every 1 in increase in diameter you add a 1/4 to 1/2 in free play on the wheel checking on the DOT standards for play in the steering wheel that seems about right

john9861 · February 27, 2014, 02:58:37 AM

Another source besides VIP is Ron The Busnut. He also has the tele/tilt columns.

http://www.ronthebusnut.com/

rip · February 27, 2014, 05:34:26 AM

When I ordered mine from VIP several years ago I called them and got a better price then on line.
Don

Bryan · February 27, 2014, 06:16:16 AM

Thanks guys! I will check all of this out! I believe I do want a smaller one [even though I'm skinny] 😃

Runcutter · February 27, 2014, 06:29:55 AM

I seem to remember a discussion of this some years ago, that made a point that the leverage from a larger steering wheel could be needed in a PS failure. I do know that when I was driving 4903's & 05's in service (all with power steering), they all had the same large steering wheel that our non-PS buses had.

However, even though part of my job was bringing in partially dead buses (e.g., lost clutch, frozen leveling valves), I never experienced a PS failure.

I wonder if the large steering wheel would be an advantage in a PS failure, providing enough leverage to get the coach to the side of the road, out of danger. I don't remember free play ever being an issue, even with our old transits -- but then the buses (and I) were much younger then.

So, for the folks who know more than I do (Clifford, Russ) -- could this be an issue worth considering?

Arthur

chessie4905 · February 27, 2014, 07:07:47 AM

As far as going smaller, what is the od of your present wheel? I have 2 4905's, and one has a 2 inch larger diameter than the other one. Both appear to be factory installed. One is ivory, and the other one was black. I think they are 19 and 21 inch. Our previous 4104 had a 17 inch VIP which I thought was smaller than desired. I swapped the 19 inch over to our current conversion from the 21 inch and think it is just right. BTW, if you get one with anymore than three spokes, at least one of your gauges will be blocked by a spoke, no matter how the wheel is set.

TomC · February 27, 2014, 08:58:55 AM

Going smaller is all well and good on paper. Until you loose power while rolling and still have to steer a dead power steering box. Keep the same steering wheel and just turn it close in to the center on the spokes. Good Luck, TomC

Utahclaimjumper · February 27, 2014, 09:56:07 AM

Its been my experience that as long as the vehicle is ROLLING its not a problem, when still, its a bitch with or without power.>>>Dan

scanzel · February 27, 2014, 11:16:50 AM

When I bought my Prevost and drove it from Nevada to Connecticut we lost the power steering pump just before Rock Springs Wyoming. Tried to get it fixed at DD dealer but wants us to wait three days. We said no and drove back to Connecticut over 2400 miles with no power steering. It was ok on I80 all across but stopping for fuel or over night sleep was a bear trying to steer. A smaller steering wheel would have made it harder.

Bryan · February 27, 2014, 09:08:15 PM

My steering wheel is 22 inches on the outside diameter.

lostagain · February 28, 2014, 06:09:32 PM

My 5C came with an after market smaller steering wheel. I didn't like it. I replaced it with an original 22". Much nicer. No noticeable difference in free play. Also, it doesn't hide my gauges like the smaller one did.

JC

luvrbus · March 01, 2014, 05:15:07 AM

MCI's will not have the play the GM axle mount power steering will have it is a totally different animal FWIW