Thoughts on air steering...

[ynotcowboy]

I recently bought an Eagle model 5, that was provisionally converted by Paradise Coach out of Oregon.  It was done in the mid 90's, so it has the lovely teal carpet, mauve accents and golden oak.  I have torn into the coach to update some things, starting with the drivers area.  I don't care for how much lower the driving area is, than the living area.  I have torn the drivers area apart and am raising it.  It is fairly easy, as it has 10 side windows and entry door.  As well as air throttle, air clutch and obviously an air treadle valve.  I have installed a newer tilt and telescope steering column, but was looking for any thoughts on air steering.  My coach drives great as it was set up, with a 14" wheel out of a car with the air steering.  I do have everything torn apart however, so it would be an ideal time to install hydraulic steering, if there was a big enough benefit.  I am a mechanic for the Fire department and we are not allowed to have air steering on emergency vehicles.  I'd love to hear peoples opinions as to pros and cons between air or hydraulic and any guidance as to which way you recommend I go.  I am leaning to sticking with air, but am not set in stone.  Thanks in advance! 

[HB of CJ]

My old Crown daily driver way back when had air ASSIST steering.  Not full power.  Also had that big diameter steering wheel for a very good reason.  The school bus could be safely driven home with no air ASSIST power steering.

About the only time it was a problem is when for whatever BAD reason, we had to be spotted backing and forwarding several times to get out of a non our fault very tight parking situation.  Sometimes we simply ran out of air.  No big deal.

Then the steering reverted to the Armstrong type.  Thus the huge diameter steering wheel.  I am retired fire service.  All the apparatus was set up with manual steering fail safes.  Perhaps you can just keep what you have and get a big wheel?

[ynotcowboy]

I do have a 20" wheel with this new column, which I think will make a big difference.  I also have the ability to shut the air off to the steering system while on the highway, which from what I have read is recommended.  Have not tried it yet, was wondering why there was a switch to shut off the air assist steering.  Am curious to try it and see what difference it makes!

[luvrbus]

Air assist beats nothing after having 1 on a 05 Eagle I don't care for it myself,it drives better with the air off on the highway in the wind mine would dart from side to side when left on.Ross hydraulic steering is the way to go on a Eagle JMO   

[chessie4905]

Let's see.... how many current busses use air? I'd change now while everything is torn up. I consider it better than none but it will always have some play. Plus, sooner than later perts will start becoming difficult to obtain.

[TomC]

One of the reasons I bought my transit was it originally had air assist steering. While in town, it isn't bad, except it was very slow-8 turns lock to lock. I took the bus up highway one in California between Morro Bay and Santa Cruz-80 miles of very curvy coast driving-needless to say I was very busy steering wise. Even though everything on the steering was tight, the sensing valve for the air cylinder created slop in the steering so that at freeway speed it wondered back and forth and was just down right tiring to drive. Although I never did turn it off, it did have a valve you could turn off the power to it to have standard Armstrong steering. One advantage of air steering is you don't have the drag of power steering pump on the engine all the time (like 2hp).
Then one day, I saw a power steering setup being sold for an AMGeneral on line. I bought it especially since it included the 1:1 miter box (air steering had 1:1.5 reduction which made it that much slower). The steering box is on the front axle. I had a professional shop install it. We had to buy a new pump since the Sheppard box likes about 2,200psi. Now the steering is 3.5 turns lock to lock and although it doesn't turn quite as sharp as before, it is truly fingertip steering, which is a joy. I highly recommend you switching to Ross steering (or any other truck type steering box since yours is mounted on the frame). Good Luck, TomC

[Jim Eh.]

Used to have a short wheel base dump truck with air assist. I seem to remember the steering being jittery due to the air "compressing". Never drove it on the highway loaded or empty (didn't really want to either). If you can afford a hydraulic conversion, take the time and do it.

[richardmc9]

Has anyone installed or know "if" a Ross power steering off a wrecked Simi truck work on a 01 Eagle, I know of about six big truck salvage yards with hundreds of diff. models of wreaked trucks for parts , looks like at least one of all the different models and makes would work.   Thanks Richard

[Jim Eh.]

Guess that would depend on which steering gear you are talking about. This is a fair site to help ID the boxes that my be avialable from that source.http://products.powersteerinc.com/onlinecms/powerst/jsp/PS_product.jsp?categoryId=3&subCategoryId=5&type=Gear%20Boxes%20-%20ROSS%20-TRW

BTW if you are searching for info you may have to use one of a combination of names  ZF / Ross / TRW. I think ZF is the latest owner of the Ross steering gear line.

[luvrbus]

Find a Ross TAS65 steering gear the older TAS64 will work too, the pump needs to be 5 GPM with 2175 psi,then you need to reinforce the area you can buy that kit from Jefferson in OKC or build your own haven't we been through this before ?

[richardmc9]

I didn't get this information before ,I have it now   Thanks