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Topic: Steering box leaking (Read 999 times) previous topic - next topic

Steering box leaking

Another surprise from Uncle Murphy- my steering box has been weeping since Jan. ,but as I checked my levels I noticed low on hydraulic oil ( 15w40).  Topped it off and then noticed the nice big oil spot under the front left.  Opened the generator side door and you guessed it, lots of oil on the pan.  Lucky we have not left NAC yet, so I went over to see Bernd and got to meet Dave M. who was finishing up his coach works.  Nice guy.

Bernd is able to work me in next Wed , will replace with a new unit and should be good for another 14 + years / 121000 miles or more.  Bernd has always done good work for us, so I am sure he will on this too.

How was the trip back Dave?  Hope all went well.

Will let you all know how things work out after we are done.  It's nice having Bernd here as a resource.

Ted
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #1 –
where did he find a new one 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #2 –
I will let you know next week- all I know now is that he has ordered it.

Ted
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #3 –
Dave:

I hope you are right about the new steering box.  When we leave here we will be driving 1500+ miles to Vegas, so will find out for sure.  The main thing is that it should not be leaking or worse yet, blow a seal while we are in the middle of nowhere in the desert.

Ted
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #4 –
Ted,

As been mentioned here many times, after installation of the steering box, MAKE SURE THAT THEY CHECK/SET THE STOPS so that the hydraulic is not used to push the steering knuckle into the axle-- there should be at least 1/8" clearance.  This is easily set by the small external screws on the Sheppard M100 box.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #5 –
Brett and Dave:

Thanks for the advice about the stops and plungers.  I will ask about it.

I am looking forward to driving after the box is in  now Dave.

Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #6 –
Dave,

I have no experience with the "auto stops".  All I have worked on are manually adjusted (small screwdriver).

This still leaves one stop (actually one on each side) to check/adjust.  The mechanical stop (on steering knuckle) is there to keep the cut angle from allowing the tire to hit suspension or body components. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #7 –
Dave,

Sounds like a Redhead reman and your new steering box may be very similar-- basically a blue-printed M100 with much tighter tolerances. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #8 –
This has been discussed many times in the past.  I wish I had known what I know now about steering box leaks before mine started leaking at the sector shaft pitman arm side.  Much cheaper to replace the seals.  My rebuilt box from Sheppard is not quite as tight regarding steering as the original box that only had about 85,000 miles on it.  Anyone know if it can be tightened for less than an arm and leg?
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #9 –
We have the M100 that was rebuilt at Sheppard in PA. It has manually adjustable pressure relief plungers. It is pretty good, but there is some play. I can move the steering wheel a bit, maybe 1/4" to 1/2" of hand movement, and feel the box "touch" either side of steering play on a very smooth road with favorable winds.

I sounds like Dave M got an especially precise unit.

Brothers at Big Truck Alignment checked all tie rod joints on our coach and declared them good. Whole system works better after they removed a bit of toe, centered steering wheel, statically balance tires, trued tires, and recommended higher tire pressures based on wear patterns. I had been running at Michelin minimums for measured loads. I am now running about 10 psi higher than my previous practice.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #10 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
We have the M100 that was rebuilt at Sheppard in PA. It has manually adjustable pressure relief plungers. It is pretty good, but there is some play. I can move the steering wheel a bit, maybe 1/4" to 1/2" of hand movement, and feel the box "touch" either side of steering play on a very smooth road with favorable winds.

I sounds like Dave M got an especially precise unit.

Brothers at Big Truck Alignment checked all tie rod joints on our coach and declared them good. Whole system works better after they removed a bit of toe, centered steering wheel, statically balance tires, trued tires, and recommended higher tire pressures based on wear patterns. I had been running at Michelin minimums for measured loads. I am now running about 10 psi higher than my previous practice.

My steering wander was 100% wheel bearings not being adjusted perfectly
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #11 –
  ^.^d Re-Post  from  July 2013 if you look this one up there are 3 videos that will help you do it your self if you choose to.

Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance
« on: July 01, 2013, 07:26:07 AM »
Quote
I'm in the process of putting new seals in my Sheppard Steering Box. I had a leak from the steering arm side of the box, it appears to be from sitting in one position, not being used for long periods of time. After much research on the internet and at Barry's site Sheppard Steering M100PDP1 I found the attached detailed information on "youtube" posted by the Manufacturer.;

Sector Seal Replacement

End Cap Seal Replacement   

Input Seal Replacement
   
  plus other related videos of the highest quality. I had some reservations about tackling this project prior to finding these excellent videos now I am confident that the project will go smoothly.  Hope this information helps ...  Gerry ^.^d

July 03, 2013, 01:18:49 PM »
Quote
Well, :) It's a done deal!!!  New  seals installed on the Pitman Arm shaft, (sector shaft area). Had to remove the steering gear assembly from the motor home frame, disassemble the sector shaft, install new seals and reassemble. Video helped except, the Foretravel steering gear box has the output shaft that controls the pitman arm on the reverse side of the gear box (comming out the solid side not the cover side). Everything went back together as planned, steering wheel still centered, no leaks, and the test drive went well.  break time... ^.^d


Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake
 

Re: Steering box leaking

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Dave M –
Bob,  Sure must have been extremely sloppy loose. :o

No way of knowing for sure but my x Foretravel mechanic buddy mentioned almost all coaches bearing regardless of brand could be tightened up safely for more precise steering.

When asked he told me had done many hundreds of all brands
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4