Alignment // Jim Bounds

[homebase1]

Checked 2 coaches at the shop yesterday and found trouble in both of
them! One we knew the front rear wheel was towed in, you could see
it.
So my question is:
How do you straighten something like that ??

Thanks
MikeB

 

[jim bounds1]

Mike B,
Actually, straightning the arm was the quick and easy part of the
alignment.

First, using the camber shims, you set up the computer and align the
rear swing arms to the frame. Camber was off a bit, mostly from frame
sag which seems to happen with age. Both front and rear swing arms will
usually be off by the same amount if frame sag is present. This
involves loosening the 6 bolts securing the boggy to the frame and
spacing it to proper alignment to the frame. Next, you align the front
wheels to the rear swing arms. This is where the front camber, caster
and toe is adjusted.

Finally, to answer your question, you compare the rear swing arm to the
front swing arm to see total and indivigual toe. Since there are no
adjustments for toe between the swing arms, you must bend out the front
swing arm to match the rear. I know this sounds scarry, conjuring up
visions of warping frame members, cracking swing arms and damaging
bushings, but that is not the case. I am amazed how easy the swing arm
bends into place with a porta-power. You do not need to use heat that
might affect the temper or remove the boggy which is very costly. A 1.5
ton "jaw" attachment easily took care of the job, no unusual frame
stress. We were able, with the computers help, to align the arm right
to spec.

There was some pin bushing play but even at the play extreem, the rear
stayed within spec. Having the equipement makes the difference!

I am excited about having this equipement and can tell you everyone
should at least check alignment to see where things are for peace of
mind.

If you would like more info, feel free to give me a call. 1-877-275-4462

Jim Bounds www.gmccoop.com

>
> Checked 2 coaches at the shop yesterday and found trouble in both of
> them! One we knew the front rear wheel was towed in, you could see
> it.
> So my question is:
> How do you straighten something like that ??
>
> Thanks
> MikeB

 

[wright nelson]

> ----------
> From: Homebase
> Reply To: gmcmotorhome
> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 1998 11:58 AM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Alignment // Jim Bounds
>
> Checked 2 coaches at the shop yesterday and found trouble in both of
> them! One we knew the front rear wheel was towed in, you could see
> it.
> So my question is:
> How do you straighten something like that ??
>
> Thanks
> MikeB
>
> Mike to answer your question," how do you straighten somthing like
> that" my coach was the one with the center wheel tow in problem. I was
> involved in the process along with Jim, his tech, and assistance from
> two very knowlegable Hunter alignment specialists.
> First we adjusted tire air pressure and coach ride height. Next we
> set up Jim's new Hunter alignment equipment (great state of the art
> device) to get a reading on existing conditions. We found the tow in
> problem on the center wheels as well as negative camber on the rear
> bogies and slight tow in on the front wheels.
> Now to correct these conditions we started with the rear camber
> problem. This means the bogies need to be free enough from the coach
> frame (six bolts each side) to insert the indicated amount of shims.
> Not an easy job! Next we aligned the front end. Now to answer your
> question "how do you straighten something like that" we bent the swing
> arm out using a portapower hydraulic jack similar to one a body shop
> uses. While applying pressure we could watch the correction on the
> Hunter display. This was fairly easy compared to the camber
> adjustment.
> By the way, now that Jim has this system up and running he said he
> would check out a coach on the machine for $75 not including repairs.
> If you are in the Orlando area it would be well worth it IMHO.
> I could have answered your question by saying you bend it, but don't
> ask an engineer what time it is unless you want to hear how to build a
> clock!
> Nelson
>