'06 Century Drivabilty Issues

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by MorningStar1, Jul 1, 2016.

  1. MorningStar1

    MorningStar1 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 1, 2016
    Southeast Texas
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    I've looked on these threads but it wore me out trying to find if someone has covered this yet. I have a '06 Century. It was a PAM fleet truck. I bought it with 778000 on the clock. I can't for the life of me get his rig to drive correctly. I have put new king pins, bushings, drag link, outer tie rod ends, steering gear box and new virgins all around and two three axle alignments. No matter what I've done, there still seems to be slack between me and the steers. I've done the turning lock to lock twice and then manually bleeding the gearbox. It wanders and shoots when driving on anything less than perfect pavement. I'm at my wits end. I'm tired of being worn out from wrestling this truck. It runs like a top and I'd hate to get rid of it, but I can't see me driving miserable for much longer. I bought this truck and have been driving it a year. Do all trucks drive like that?
     
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  3. boneebone

    boneebone Road Train Member

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    No, not all trucks drive like that, what is your front steer tire pressure set at, have you replaced the front shocks, have you checked that your Springs aren't cracked or the U bolts are not moving or have play when the truck is moving?

    Is the handling worse when empty or loaded?
     
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  4. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

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    Might want to look up M D Alignment online. Mike Beckett is one of the best in the industry with these kinds of problems. Give them a call, They have a shop by Des Moine Ia.
     
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  5. MorningStar1

    MorningStar1 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 1, 2016
    Southeast Texas
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    New shocks, front and rear and on cab. Brand new steers. 110 psi. The spring bushings eyes/bolts have play in them. When I was replacing the bushings, there was play and the Freightliner dealership said that's was how FL are. It looks to me that the springs shift from side to side. It also feels like there isn't enough camber, but they swear it set to FL specs. Handles worse when loaded. There always seems to be an inch of play in the steering wheel. Doesn't sound like much, but makes for a long day.
     
  6. jsnell

    jsnell Light Load Member

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    Have you checked the tilt, telescoping steering wheel components. Maybe an inch of play there
     
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  7. boneebone

    boneebone Road Train Member

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    I have owned a 99 Freightliner Century and driven a Company Owned 2001 Freightliner Century before and they both drove fine with no wandering or play in the Steering Wheel.

    It sounds like the issue is in your Front Spring Bushings or Springs, there is definitely something not normal with your truck.

    I would definitely take it somewhere else besides Freightliner and get a second or third opinion.
     
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  8. MorningStar1

    MorningStar1 Bobtail Member

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    I would know not what to look for in the tilt components. There doesn't seem to be any side play when grasping the upper and lower and twisting.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2016
    Reason for edit: incorrect wording
  9. MorningStar1

    MorningStar1 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 1, 2016
    Southeast Texas
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    The bushings are brand new. The shackles seem to bend from side to side slightly when turning to check for play.
     
  10. MorningStar1

    MorningStar1 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 1, 2016
    Southeast Texas
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    I'm in Southeast Texas and rarely go farther than 500 miles from base. Thank you anyway for the input.
     
  11. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    U-bolts are tight? Centre bolt on front springs not broken? Can't remember for sure but some steering boxes have an adjustment to take up slack in the sector shaft.
     
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