4106 Power Steering

OneLapper · March 23, 2008, 10:58:10 AM

Hey there everyone,

It's been a long time since I last posted anything. I made a trailer hitch over a year ago to pull my 24' enclosed car trialer and I'm happy to say that my 4106 has pulled it from CT to Indiana, back, Canada, back, South Carolina (Kershaw), and back with zero problems.
It attaches to the lower suspension track rod brackets. Can post pics if anyone is interested.

The new project is adding a factory power steering system to a 4106 that did not have power assist or ps. I bought the system when I got the bus, but I haven't had time to install it. With the help of Luke and Bill at US Coach they have gotten me the parts of the system that I didn't get when I bought this "complete" system. That being said, I'm asking if someone can post a picture of the right spindle's power steering arm that the hydraulic power steering cylinder attaches to. Its about 10 inches long and appears to have about a 3 inch drop to allow the right ball joint to clear the airbag I-beam. It can be clearly seen if you turn the wheels far left and look from behind the front axle. This is the last part that I need and I'm have a difficult time identifying the correct part. Bill sent me an arm but it doesn't seem to be the right one. I have the parts manuals but there are no good photos of this arm.

Some of the projects I've completed on this bus have been:

Rear suspension Radius rod bushings replaced
New muffler from universal parts (costing less than $300)
Massive tow hitch
Upgraded radiator
New starter (twice, long story)
New 4/00 battery and starter cables (custom made crimping terminal ends on with hyd hose crimping press)
Tracking down mold/mildew problem (currently working on)
Throttle cable/pedal travel stop bolt!!! (would not allow Full Throttle! Found this issue three weeks ago! Now I have full throttle acceleration.)

I'll be using the bus more often. I've started a small side business organizing track events and I'm using the bus to stay in at the tracks as well as tow my car and equipment.

Thanks,

Mark

fortyniner · June 10, 2012, 07:46:25 PM

Hi Mark,

I realized this is an ancient post but did you ever complete the power steering install? Im trying to figure out the factory layout of the steel lines at the front axle so I can install a shepard system but would like to have it as stock as possible otherwise.

Tom P.

OneLapper · June 11, 2012, 06:42:03 AM

Oh yes, installed a factory power assist system that worked really well, and just completed swapping that system out for a Sheppard system. You might ask why. The difference is between the systems equates to about 1" less play in the steering wheel.

BTW, you can make me an offer if you want the factory assist system. Any offer, it's going up on eBay and Craig's by the end of the month.

Ask away. I have lots of photos of the front axle swap and Sheppard install that I can post if you're interested.

Mark

fortyniner · June 11, 2012, 11:32:26 AM

Id really like to see some pics of how you ran lines up to the front and how they were secured. Did you swap out the steering miter box when installing the shephard? Ive heard it has a faster ratio.

-Tom P.

OneLapper · June 11, 2012, 12:01:48 PM

I'll snap some pictures and upload them tonight.

I ran hydraulic hoses to the front of the rear axle, then metal pipes under the bus to the front axle, then hoses to the power steering box. I did not change the mitre box, I wasn't able to find a 1:1 box. I have the original 1.5:1 box.

Mark

gus · June 11, 2012, 02:00:35 PM

Mark,

Your power assist wheel play could probably have been removed at the steering box on the axle by a simple adjustment. I did this on my 4104 and the systems are pretty much the same.

That being said, the Sheppard is much better.

OneLapper · June 11, 2012, 02:42:35 PM

Quote from: gus on June 11, 2012, 02:00:35 PM
Mark,

Your power assist wheel play could probably have been removed at the steering box on the axle by a simple adjustment. I did this on my 4104 and the systems are pretty much the same.

That being said, the Sheppard is much better.

The box was/is in perfect condition. The "slop" is not actually slop at all, it's the movement of the sliding hydraulic diverter valve. That valve sends fluid to one side of the cylinder piston or the other, depending on which way you turn the wheel. The system is essentially an open center hydraulic system when you're not turning the wheels, simple and efficient.

Mark

Lin · June 11, 2012, 05:53:42 PM

I have power assist on my 5a and it is okay, but if you are going to all the effort of installing something new, you would probably be happier with integral power steering. I had it on the last bus, and it was significantly better.

OneLapper · June 11, 2012, 08:13:32 PM

Here are the pictures of my power steering install.....

Installing the metal pipes was the easiest part. The hydraulic hoses were difficult to route around the all the moving parts.

OneLapper · June 11, 2012, 09:09:23 PM

And more photos of the Sheppard install....

How to change the steering box the hard way!!

fortyniner · June 11, 2012, 09:20:41 PM

Wow, great pictures. Are those front brakes stock for the 4106? Besides the box and pump what parts did you need to complete the swap?
Am I right assuming that is steel gas pipe on the pressure side?

-Tom P.

OneLapper · June 11, 2012, 09:38:38 PM

Pump, box, reservoir.

I used the pipe for pressure and return runs under the bus between bulkheads. It was much cheaper than the hydraulic hose!

Mark

kaptar · June 12, 2012, 11:00:12 AM

I would be interested in pictures of your trailer hitch also maybe a guess on the cost of the shepard upgrade. Thank you.

OneLapper · June 12, 2012, 11:37:50 AM

Kaptar,

I'll post some pictures of the hitch Wednesday night. I'll be working on the bus that evening. I'll say that when I posted I was building a hitch for my 4106, I got flamed for even having the thought of doing so!! Good news is that you most certainly can put a robust hitch on a 4106, or any other GM. My hitch attaches to the lower radius arm mounts and is pre-loaded to actually push upwards on the engine craddle. Even so, I don't put more than 600 pounds static weight on it. I would think it could handle much more. The end plates are 1/2" steel, the tube is schedule 80 wall and the center of the receiver tube is reinforced with 4' of solid 2x2" steel.

More on the hitch to come........

TomC · June 12, 2012, 02:39:01 PM

I assume those pipes for the hydraulic lines to the steering gear are rated for 2,500psi? I know my Sheppard steering needed a 2,200psi pump. Good Luck, TomC