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Topic: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance  (Read 2957 times) previous topic - next topic

Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

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 http://beamalarm.com/Documents/sheppard_steering_M100PDP1.html 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
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

Reply #1 –
Gerry,

If you have play in the steering gear as well as leaking, these guys blueprint the Sheppard box (remember, there is no external adjustment for play on them): About Us - Red Head Steering Gears

Brett
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: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

Reply #2 –
My hat's off to Gary and also the folks who produced these instructional videos.  Very impressive stuff but I lose enthusiasm when wrench size goes over 1".

"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

Reply #3 –
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
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

Reply #4 –
Great job Gerry. Makes you feel real good when all works well!!
Raymond
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

Reply #5 –
Great job, FOT charged 4 hrs labor to reseal my steering gear when Kent noticed it started dripping while I was hooking up atCamp Foretravel, was scheduled for new FSD shocks, by the time I escape , the steering resealed, front alignment (more + caster) plus the 8 new FSD's.. :o
 

Re: Sheppard Power Steering Gear Box Rebuild/Maintenance

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Gerry Vicha –
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,

My steering gear had been dripping intermittently over the last couple of years when parked and then starting dripping a steady stream on the side opposite the Pittman arm after starting a couple of weeks ago.  I got lucky and found a local guy Jesus from Fort Worth, Tx who is a heavy equipment operator/mechanic, can rebuild hydraulic pumps and also has a couple of storage units where I keep my coach.  He said he could do it and the manager of the facility said I wouldn't have to move the coach from where it sits.

Jesus had all the right tools except for the Pittman arm puller which I purchased at the local big truck supply for $128. I also bought the complete seal kit for $140.  He wanted the big puller so that became part of his labor charge.  I helped him get the M100 off (very heavy and takes two without a jack!) and made him a copy of the Shepard M100 manual.  He took it home, took it apart, cleaned it, polished the sector shaft, replaced all the seals, and painted it.  He told me all the parts looked good inside and internal pressure should be good and tight with all new seals. 

After reinstalling and bleeding out the air pocket, no leaks and the steering is better now than when I bought the coach.  No wander or play in the steering wheel.  We did notice I need new boots for the grease fittings on the drag link ends.

It is a big job and even though there is much easier access on a Grand Villa, you really need some help and I also wanted someone who was experienced to do the rebuild.  Hopefully, I got by for under $600 and will be good for a long time!

Jerry

 
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Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"