| New Power Steering Pump-Now Steering Box Leaks [message #240092] |
Fri, 14 February 2014 21:23  |
gbarrow2
Messages: 765
Registered: February 2004
Location: Lake Almanor, Ca./ Red Bl...
Karma: 3
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Over the years I have rebuilt or replaced all front suspension and steering components except the power steering pump. The coach drives very well- my only complaint is that it seems heavy- it takes more effort to turn the steering wheel when at cruising speed than on my 76 Eleganza or other coaches that I have driven. I have never determined if this is caused by the pump or the steering box.
So, since I had the engine out for re build I installed a new steering pump; hoping for easier steering . I started and ran the engine while the front end was still on jack stands and cycled the steering back and forth a few times to charge the system and then topped up the reservoir.
On the first test drive the steering and pump seemed ok at first then it got very hard to turn at low rpm. I checked fluid again and added a small amount. No change-no power assist at low rpm.
The next time I stopped and checked the fluid level was still full but I noticed that now the steering box was leaking. It has never leaked in the past. I installed the steering box only about 30,000 miles ago. It has been sitting idle for several months while the engine was out.
So the question is still- defective pump or defective steering box or possibly both and how can I determine which?
I assume the box can be re-sealed but I don't want to do that unless I know for certain the box isn't the source of the "heavy steering" in the past.
Comments and suggestions please.
Gene Barrow
Lake Almanor, Ca.
1976 Palm Beach
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| Re: New Power Steering Pump-Now Steering Box Leaks [message #240101 is a reply to message #240092] |
Fri, 14 February 2014 22:31  |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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Gene,
I swapped my steering pump with a used one I had laying around last spring, as my steering effort went way up when I put it away for the winter last season. The used one was much better, but it still didn't feel right to me, making me wonder.
A while back there was a thread on cleaning or replacing the filter on the windshield wiper motor. I haven't tried that yet, since it has been arctic here for months, but I wonder if that is what's wrong with mine. And, since it is on the return side, I wonder if it is holding too much pressure in your gear, and possibly creating the leak you have. Worth checking out at least.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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