Need a good truck shop in Show Low, AZ - failed throw out bearing - Eaton Autosh

Brian Diehl · May 03, 2016, 03:07:15 PM

The throw out bearing on my transmission has failed. I am stuck in Show Low, AZ. Anyone have any recommendations on a good shop to work with in Show Low or within towing distance?

The transmission is 1st generation Eaton Autoshift. The throw out bearing is completely failed.

Reply or call if you have any ideas - 763 242 3734

Brian

luvrbus · May 03, 2016, 03:19:26 PM

Empire Cat is about the only hope you have in Show Low,there are a couple of shops in Payson,but that is a 200 mile tow from Show Low.

Geoff Smith is Prescott again 200 miles but Geoff may come to you 928-771-0045 he is dependable, he knows buses and has fair rates

good luck

John316 · May 04, 2016, 05:58:14 AM

Sorry. I have been through Show Low. You really are stuck. I feel for you.

John

luvrbus · May 04, 2016, 06:42:28 AM

Yep he is 200 miles from no where Empire should help they installed a differential in Doyle's Eagle a few years ago

Brian Diehl · May 04, 2016, 08:17:04 AM

thanks for all the ideas guys. I found a place called Show Low diesel. His name is Sean. He came out last night and looked at the work that needed to be done and said he'd be able to get us started in the shop on Thursday afternoon. So right now my next step is to find a Towing company to help us get the bus over to his shop. He's got the clutch ordered and should be in the shop by Thursday. His brother helps him in the evenings and so he's thinking we could be back on the road by the end of day Saturday. I'm very hopeful at this point. It remains to be seen.

Brian Diehl · May 04, 2016, 08:18:47 AM

also I did talk to Tanner over at Empire. He was going to try and see when you can fit me into the schedule. Haven't heard back from him so at this point I'm continuing on with Show Low diesel.

luvrbus · May 04, 2016, 08:48:26 AM

That is good to know they have another shop in Show Low now I hope it works out good for you

Scott & Heather · May 04, 2016, 09:47:08 AM

How far to his shop from where the coach is stranded?

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Brian Diehl · May 04, 2016, 12:47:50 PM

Scott, it is about 10 miles.

luvrbus · May 04, 2016, 12:52:53 PM

A question do you have enough room to remove the autoshift without removing the engine,they about impossible in a Eagle without removing the engine

Scott & Heather · May 06, 2016, 01:10:30 AM

I wonder if you can get a dually diesel and tow it the ten miles. You can idle for air brakes?

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Runcutter · May 06, 2016, 07:38:29 AM

Scott may have something. Back when I was a young bus driver, I broke down in the middle of the busiest intersection in town, on my last trip. 35 foot transit (TDH-4512). Turns out the blower shaft had broken. They sent the shop pickup truck out to get me, and one of the wild-men mechanics towed me in on a short chain. Of course, with engine out, air didn't last long, so I had to use the handbrake for about 6 miles. That was one scary ride that I remember 45+ years later. Wild man driving the truck, short chain -- wouldn't do that again.

However, I now use that experience when I teach my transit scheduling class -- remarking that the only time I was ever late on my last trip was when I broke down. That leads to a discussion of the three speeds on a transit bus throttle -- off, on, and last trip. The brake also has three settings for some drivers -- off, on, and "Gee, that was close."

So, if you do use Scott's idea, I'd suggest using a rigid towbar if possible.

Arthur

Brian Diehl · May 06, 2016, 07:24:51 PM

Wow! Clutch has been replaced and everything is back together. Bus has been road tested successfully. Yes! Feels great to be on the road again. If anyone needs diesel related mechanical help in the Show Low area your one and only guy to work with is Sean Bell. He is THE guy in the area and does fantastically high quality work. He has 26 years of experience and it shows. What a great guy and shop. They interrupted their already scheduled work to get us in. The engine was out of the bus and the flywheel off the engine by 7:30 last night. Today the bus was fully buttoned up and road tested by 6:00.

Also, the Eaton Easy Clutch is far better than the Illinois Auto and Truck Company clutch that the prior owner of the engine/tranny had installed. It is MUCH smoother and easier to modulate. So - we are continuing on our journey tomorrow morning with our next stop of Phoenix for a few days to visit family.

Oonrahnjay · May 07, 2016, 05:09:29 AM

Quote from: Brian Diehl on May 06, 2016, 07:24:51 PMWow! Clutch has been replaced and everything is back together. Bus has been road tested successfully. Yes!...

Always good to hear a positive outcome. Glad you got it done.

Runcutter · May 07, 2016, 06:30:34 AM

Brian, I'm really glad that worked out for you.

Arthur