Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

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Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

August 27, 2017, 11:20:09 pm

I did successfully change my generator oil (different thread). Now I have noticed a pretty strong/steady leak just to the driver's side of the generator. My wife thinks it was leaking there prior to the oil change also. I am not sure.

We initially thought it was the generator and stopped using it. I moved the unit to the storage space with the generator off and the drip seemed stronger than ever.

It seemed very clear at first and I thought it was the new oil. It has gotten darker but so has the oil in the generator.

Does the generator have an oil cooler that could be leaking?
Could that be power steering fluid?
If the generator has too much oil, it there an overflow mechanism?

Unit: 1996 Foretravel U320
Generator: Power Tech diesel 10kw

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #1 – August 27, 2017, 11:30:27 pm

Fred,

From the location of the drip line, indeed, look closely at the steering box.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #2 – August 28, 2017, 07:05:02 am

Fred,

From the looks of the 3rd pic. you need to get that radiator hose tied up out of the way before it gets damage or ripped off. That hose goes from your generator engine to the remote radiator.

It looks like that hose is a Bellow Flex hose which was OEM. They are a spiral wound hose that can start to leak due to being moved a bunch when you pulled out the generator to do your service. Look closely where the hose comes out of the generator box for a leak. Bellow Flex # B57-7910W125 is the part number to look for. The hose is 1 1/4" ID and 1 5/8" OD.

No oil cooler
Yes could be from your steering box
No over flow but out the dip stick tube

Pamela & Mike

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #3 – August 28, 2017, 07:27:55 am

Looks like the drip on my 96 when the steering box failed. Had mine replaced and then realized I should have done it sooner. Coach drove much better.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #4 – August 28, 2017, 11:43:34 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – August 27, 2017, 11:30:27 pm

Fred,

From the location of the drip line, indeed, look closely at the steering box.

Fred I noticed the the same drip line a couple of weeks ago. The puddle gives an indication of a serious steering box leak. Mine would drip a steady stream on the left side of the steering box when engine was running and pressure built up from the power steering pump. The level on the dip stick in the reservoir in the back will also drop. You can look at the box underneath and see the oil and maybe which side it's coming from. There are also two lines to check for leaks going in and out of the steering box. The seal on the input shaft from the steering column can also be a leak source.

My steering was like new after a rebuild with no play/wander and the whole front end behaves much better when hitting bumps, turning corners, etc.

Jerry

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #5 – August 28, 2017, 03:24:21 pm

Fred,

Don't want to be a "alarmist", but if you do find out your leak is from the steering box, it's not something you want to ignore. Try searching "power steering failure" on the Forum, and you'll get lots of hits. The thing is, you never know when a "leak" will progress into a full-blown "failure". Do as much investigating as possible. Try to pin down the source of the leak. If it turns out to be a seal on the steering box, consider your next moves carefully. Here is one thread that addresses some of the possible scenarios:

Leaking Steering Box - 1998 U295

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #6 – August 28, 2017, 03:40:15 pm

Correct. Running out of PS fluid can not just cause you a complete lack of power steering, but can also destroy the hydraulic pump and put metal throughout the system.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #7 – September 05, 2017, 03:09:03 pm

UPDATE: I had a shop look at it this morning and it is the Sheppard steering box that is leaking. The shop is recommending a replacement at $850-$1,000 for the part and $1,000 for the labor. Ouch.

Yes. I always thought the radiator hose was too far down but I wan't sure. I'll get it tied up.

I see where other have rebuilt the seals for far less $$$. Is a full replacement really necessary?

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #8 – September 05, 2017, 03:52:30 pm

I replaced mine on my 96 and was amazed how much better it drove. Mine was at 95,000 miles and it drove like a new vehicle, nice and tight.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #9 – September 05, 2017, 03:55:55 pm

A rebuild by Redhead may be in order if you have any play in the steering as well as the leak??

Speedbird 1.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #10 – September 05, 2017, 03:55:55 pm

Check with these guys fo cost/availabity of an overhauled AND blueprinted Sheppard M100 steering box: RedHead Steering Gears - Manual & Power Steering Gear Box

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #11 – September 06, 2017, 06:37:09 am

Your box is 21 years old. Don't think about trying to repair it.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #12 – September 06, 2017, 08:32:34 am

Quote from: amos.harrison – September 06, 2017, 06:37:09 am

Your box is 21 years old. Don't think about trying to repair it.

Not sure I agree. These are the same steering boxes used in OTR trucks like Peterbuilt. So, designed to go a million plus miles.

Most in RV's are worked on for one of two reasons: leaking seals and/or play. Since play is not externally adjustable, blueprinting is the "fix".

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #13 – September 06, 2017, 10:00:10 am

My steering box failed just as I was pulling into camp foretravel to have work done on the coach. (good news/bad news). The tech told me there are two seals on the steering box. the lower seal can be replaced and it will last awhile longer but if the upper one goes, the box needs to be replaced. it was about 2-3 CB for them to do it.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #14 – September 06, 2017, 04:01:50 pm

If you steering has very little play when driving, I suggest something other than a rebuilt unit from Sheppard as it may have more play than the original. Personal experience. If they rebuild your box maybe ok, but will take time, might as well send it to Redhead. If in NAC try to contact Dennis Davis, if he still lives there. Don't have an address or phone #. I am going to post what he did several years ago and hope he doesn't get mad at me.

My steering box was leaking from the steering sector or the shaft that the Pittman arm slides onto. There is a seal at both ends of this shaft and both had failed. You can access both of these seals (actually two seals and a "O" ring) without pulling the box. From inside the compartment under the drivers' seat remove the end plate by bulling the 6 or so bolts. In this cover is a seal and a "o" ring around the end plate. You must remove the Pittman arm. I pulled the generator forward and slid under the generator to access the square whole that was in front of the gen radiator. Through this hole I pulled the Pittman bolt with a 5/8 Allen 1/2 drive socket. Then pulled the arm with a three jawed puller. After pulling the arm, the sector pulls out the previously pulled end plate area. You'll see the deteriorated seal when the sector shaft is removed. I used a curved pick and a small flat screw driver to scrape out the old seal. The new seals go in with the black toward the inside and the white toward the outside. Called the box manufacturer and was told these seals are failing prematurely. The other seals in this unit are holding up well. I'd been told $400 to $500 for R and R plus $650 for rebuilt unit. My coach has maybe 60k miles but is 15 years old.

Not knowing any better, I did pull the complete box. That thing must have weighed 100 lbs.!!!

Wanted to post this because I couldn't find anything on line including here about the foretravel version of this box.....Need to say the "BEAM" site has the factory info but this unit is not described anywhere............

Dennis Davis

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #15 – September 06, 2017, 04:44:05 pm

I figure our steering boxes go because of the few number of miles we go. I know I had 184K on mine and it was running strong. My coach rarely sat for any length of time. If mine was leaking I would go with what Brett said and get a blue printed one and then ship your old one as the core.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #16 – December 31, 2017, 03:34:14 pm

Just to close out this thread. I did get the steering box replaced. The price was $2,700 for parts and labor. All is well except for my wallet!

Basically they slid out the generator, removed the side panel in the generator compartment, and worked behind the generator to access the steering box. The shop also removed the radiator for the generator to get the part out and the new one back in.

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #17 – December 31, 2017, 03:38:46 pm

What kind of steering box did you get, does that price include tax, and do you like it?

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #18 – December 31, 2017, 03:42:54 pm

It will be the Sheppard M100 box.

New? Reman? Redhead blueprinted?

Re: Leak next to the generator behind the headlight

Reply #19 – December 31, 2017, 03:46:16 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – December 31, 2017, 03:42:54 pm

New? Reman? Redhead blueprinted?

Thanks for clarifying Brett.

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