4101 steering wheel

[Nel]

Hello, was just wondering if anyone out there has changed their steering wheel from the original huge 22 incher to a smaller size. The bus does have the original power steering , Sheppard I think from what I have read on this forum.
I know it's probably big to help with the effort to steer the bus even with the power steering, but if I go smaller will it make a big difference?
Trying to get a wheel that's more comfy and I don't mind if it's a little harder to move around at slower speeds.
Thanks, Nelson

[chessie4905]

   You could buy one from VIP. Make sure you select a 3 spoke, otherwise one or more gauges will be blocked from view during normal driving. My 4905 had a 22 inch...huge. The 4905 shell had a much nicer sized 19 jnch, so I swapped. I believe that we changed the 4104 to a 17 or 16 inch VIP, which was too small in hindsight. It also had Sheppard power steering.

[gus]

The original 4104 power assist steering is not power steering as such, it is only a power boost after the wheel is turned a few degrees. On straight highway driving it is strictly a manual system.

So, it is not a good idea to use a smaller wheel just in case the power fails. If it fails you are back to a normal manual system just like the buses that weren't equipped with boosters.

Also, it will be a lot more work on long drives on relatively straight roads. At my age that was one reason I bought the 4107 - to get the Sheppard system. My shoulders would be really sore after a full day of driving.

[lostagain]

I have a 22 inch wheel off a 5A that I like, mostly because it doesn't hide any of my gauges, and it is nostalgic for me from driving 5As way back then... But I also swap once in a while with a 18" VIP for a change; it hides some of the gauges on the outside of the dash, so I have to move my head over a bit to see them; not a big deal, just annoying. Otherwise, it steers nicely too. I do have good power steering though.

JC


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[Nel]

Thanks, Chessie, Gus and JC,

I never thought about the gauges, but I will take your suggestions, If I change the wheel , maybe go with the 18 or 19.

Any good sources for new or used? What should I look for.
Are the bus steering wheels universal mounting with any truck or buses, or special?

Nelson

[chessie4905]

   I would recommend checking with Luke in New Jersey. He would probably know if other GM coach wheels would interchange and good chance he can get a takeoff. BTW, does your 4104 have hoses going into steering box, or into a large hydraulic cylinder attached to steering arm? Sheppard(preferred) has the hoses going to the box.

[Nel]

Chessie ,

I will give Luke a call and I'm not sure where the hoses go yet, but I will crawl under and take a look.

I know in the back engine compartment the reservoir for the pump is separate from the pump and I filled it with 30w motor oil.


Thanks, Nelson   

[RJ]

Nel -

VIP has kits available to mount their wheels to just about any vehicle, including the 4104.  Take a look at their selections, then call and in the process of chatting with a sales rep, ask if they've got any "blems" available, which are usually minor cosmetics.  Several busnuts over the years have saved a few bucks that way.

I would not suggest going any smaller than 18" for the same reasons mentioned above.

http://www.vipwheels.com/

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Lin]

I switched to an 18" VIP.  They were surprisingly reasonably priced if you did not want wood or leather.  Make sure you get the right one for your unit though.  There are different setups for different horn button wiring.  I originally got what they called the Peterbuilt unit, which did not work with the horn wiring of my Gillig steering column.  They exchanged it for what they called the Mac unit, which did the truck (or is it trick?).

[LuckyChow]

Lin, the VIP model for my Gillig Phantom was the VIP10-MK1.

[gus]

Chessie ,

I will give Luke a call and I'm not sure where the hoses go yet, but I will crawl under and take a look.

I know in the back engine compartment the reservoir for the pump is separate from the pump and I filled it with 30w motor oil.


Thanks, Nelson   

I think the SM calls for Dexron.

[Nel]

Thanks for the feed back Guys,I will check out VIP.  Gus I better recheck what fluid my pump takes Yiks!

Nelson

[HB of CJ]

Yep; many factors involved.  Might not even be legal where you live to go to a smaller wheel ... if you have straight manual steering ... or power assist steering.  The big OEM steering wheel was selected for safety and human engineering reasons.

Full integral power steering came about probably because of safety concerns and the increased employment of weaker, smaller drivers.  Such power steering became so reliable that larger wheels could be safely replaced with smaller ones.

It also depended upon the design philosophy of the designers.  My old Crown Supercoach ex school bus had a big wheel plus power assist steering.  Only when slow deep steering did the power assist help.  Going down the road, it was just manual steering.

It was designed that way so if the power assist steering failed the Bus Conversion ex school bus could be safely driven.  Maybe it was just a school bus thing.  Crown Coach also had full power steering options if the buyer wanted such.  HB of CJ (old coot)

[solodon]

The service manual for a 1989 MCI MC9 states 10W40 for the power steering fluid.
Don

[gus]

The service manual for a 1989 MCI MC9 states 10W40 for the power steering fluid.
Don

My 4107 Sheppard PS also calls for 10W-40 but this 4104 of his is at least 29 years older than your MCI and it didn't come with PS, just power boost..