Hop or bounce in drive train?

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

This is a real long shot, but could there be something going on with the toad.

Drive around the block without it.

JIM

[Orren Zook]

Larry,

I'd bet your problem is a balance issue if it comes in and then disappears at a certain speed each time. When you had your tires balanced were they spun or static balanced? If you use equal or dynabeads in your tires or balance masters / centramatic balancers they are not compatible with lead weights.

[rfoster]

If you had your tires balanced with lead weights, you will need to have equal or similar product installed.

Jim Keller proved to us in Branson that wheel weights on the Prevost rims are a waste of your money. The tire will slip or slide on the wheel under heavy braking - eliminating the supposedly fix by installing weights on the rims. If you really want to go the xtra mile, add centramatics wheel balancers.

If you still have reservations about this, have your wheels balanced and mark on the tires with a chalk line were the weights are positioned then drive the bus and hit the brakes a few times some what severly and the tire will slip.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[rfoster]

I went back and read some of the previous post and see that Jon has already posted about the wheel weights issue.

Never mind.

[LarryB]

Thanks All for the input.

What I did today, all 8 spin balanced, nothing added only lead. [no heavy braking] problem seem to only slighty changed to smoother.

One tire out of round, one alum. wheel both replaced, problem still there.

What I have noticed, as Jon asked the problem seems to be consistent coasting but seems also to increase adding throttle. I think I notice a slight increase if a jarring bump is hit.

Having ride height and u-joints and general condition inspected in the AM.

Will post findings. Thanks again,

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Lets see if I can guess what brand of tires you have. Could it be the ones that they charge double+ for because they are labeled with the preferred brand.

Sounds to me like a tire is separating.

If you have a 40 you can get the tag up and see if there is any difference and with no shimmy on the steering wheel that would narrow it down to the drives.

The drive shafts are so short it would be pretty obvious if something were out of whack there.

[JIM KELLER]

After reading these posts I'll go on record placing my bet on damaged or bruised belts in a tire as a result of rubbing a curb. [ No disrespect for your driving abilities, just a common problem. ]

[LarryB]

Jim, no change Toad or no Toad.

Jim K. The tires are new and no curbs hit yet. I know the time will come for curb contact so no offence taken.

Joe, I have Michelin XZA1 315. 2 months old with 2000 miles. I have a 45, and to be clear I do not have steering wheel shimmy, just a general hop, bounce,bobble. It won't spill my coffee but it sure is a PITA

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Larry, did you have this sensation befor the new tires?

If not I would suspect the tires. Good luck with that!

JIM

[LarryB]

OK, Here is the answer to the bobble/bounce.

I had the ride height checked, left side 1 1/4" lower than the right.
Corrected.
The rear engine mounts were loose. Corrected
The tranny end of the drive shaft 'U' joint was worn out. Correct

The test drive was great, no more B&B thankfully.

Thanks again to all that offered up ideas, since ultimately everything that was suggested was done, you were all correct.

I have another problem to discuss, but I'll yield some band width to someone else for now.

Thanks again to All.