Caspro variable steering box

[Loin Lounge]

I have a Caspro variable ratio steering box on my 26 footer.The box has about 1500 miles on it and seems to be in as new condition.Iam questioning why one would want the extra needed movement of the steering wheel when going straight to make corrections.To me this seems to add a feeling of vagueness and lack of control.The tighter ratio in sharp turns is helpful but not worth the lack of feel going straight.
So Iam hoping for other owner feedback or is it just me?

 

[LQQKatJon]

I am not sure I understand…. Straight is straight. There should be no more extra movement then the stock box. It still needs to be centered and has a “high point”. I dont think there is any real ratio notice unless your doing 90 degree turns. Or
More then 1/2
Turn of steering wheel.

I have one in my coach. I noticed zero change going straight. And honestly just a little when turning in tight spaces. It is not life changing.

 

[Richard RV]

I have a Caspro variable ratio steering box on my 26 footer.The box has about 1500 miles on it and seems to be in as new condition.Iam questioning why one would want the extra needed movement of the steering wheel when going straight to make corrections.To me this seems to add a feeling of vagueness and lack of control.The tighter ratio in sharp turns is helpful but not worth the lack of feel going straight.
So Iam hoping for other owner feedback or is it just me?

Like Jon said, there shouldn't be extra movement (slop) or a feeling of vagueness with a Caspro or OEM setup unless something is worn or the steering box isn't centered correctly. I wouldn't assume that there's something wrong with the box.

Alex Ferrara (damn, I miss that guy!) posted some great information on how to visually inspect and then correctly connect the 6-bolt cast iron CV cap. It's easy to be off by 11°, one spline tooth, and that would cause a feeling of vagueness. It's very easy to assemble the steering box linkage incorrectly, very experienced mechanics have done it.

Rob Mueller's steering inspection guide will help you identify worn components.

The information is in the forum's Resources section.

 

[Christo]

Agree, first step would be to double check all steering components. More often than not there are issues with everything being in proper alignment, starting at the steering wheel.

Resource icon

Steering Column, Lower Steering Shaft, and Steering Gear Box Alignment

Oct 13, 2019

By Rob Mueller

• Mike Perez
• Steering

 

[Loin Lounge]

I am not sure I understand…. Straight is straight. There should be no more extra movement then the stock box. It still needs to be centered and has a “high point”. I dont think there is any real ratio notice unless your doing 90 degree turns. Or
More then 1/2
Turn of steering wheel.

I have one in my coach. I noticed zero change going straight. And honestly just a little when turning in tight spaces. It is not life changing.

Thanks for your response.Maybe I should be asking if the straight ahead ratio was changed requiring more rotational movement of the steering wheel when making corrections to keep going straight on rough back roads.

 

[Richard RV]

Thanks for your response.Maybe I should be asking if the straight ahead ratio was changed requiring more rotational movement of the steering wheel when making corrections to keep going straight on rough back roads.

There really isn't any ratio going straight. There's a 'dead spot' when going straight and the box is correctly centered. The coach wants to go straight. When the wheel is turned a little bit it cracks open a spool and the power steering pressure gets involved.

I see from an earlier post of yours that you installed the Caspro box - did you personally install it or have someone else do it?

 

[Loin Lounge]

I installed it myself and will accept responsibility.But my question tho maybe poorly worded, is the steering ratio just off center different in the Caspro box than in the original box?
Thanks everybody!

 

[Keith V]

Thanks for your response.Maybe I should be asking if the straight ahead ratio was changed requiring more rotational movement of the steering wheel when making corrections to keep going straight on rough back roads.

usually, from what Ive seen, a variable rate steering box is the most sensitive (reactive) when going straight to make it easier to, well go straight. Just like the on center feel of our boxes.

Note there are also variable effort steering boxes too, and people confuse them. They seem to have the most feel, the least boost, on center. my Saturn had that.

My mustang seems to know how quickly youre turning the wheel and varies the effort required. Not sure WHAT to call that