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Topic: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy (Read 795 times) previous topic - next topic

U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Hi all,

Was on the way out of town when I stopped to pick up fuel and noticed a steam of liquid coming out from the generator radiator compartment. I originally thought the radiator was leaking. On further inspection I found that the steering gear was leaking oil like crazy. A few questions:
1. Does anyone know the model of the gear box (2001 U270)? I head that "Red..." something does a great job of fixing these things.
2. On the surface this seems fairly easy to access for removal but would like to hear from anyone who has removed the box and issues they had doing so. Also were can I get the torque specs?
3. Does anyone know of a shop near Austin TX that can do the job right? Given the severity of the leak I don't want to drive far and towing is way too expensive.
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #1 –
You can search from these posts but it is not an easy repair.

Steering box info


https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results

1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #2 –
Another collection of steering box info is available in the World Famous ForeForums Foretravel Wiki:

Sheppard Power Steering M100PDP1

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #3 –
Quote from: jlallen –
3. Does anyone know of a shop near Austin TX that can do the job right?

Several here have used Chalks in Houston Chalk's Truck Parts - Mid & Heavy Trucks, Bus Parts - Houston, TX  Rudy is from that area and has connections and will chime in after he sees this. If you DIY you can reseal it yourself but if the box has a lot of slack then I would take it to Chalks to have them tighten it up as they have the correct parts and then I would put it back on.

If you decide to pull it yourself then you need the Sheppard M-110 book for your torque specs.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #4 –
Thanks for the information everyone. Anyone have a feel for the cost of shop replacement/repair? Maybe hours of labor?

In looking at the reservoir there's not that much hydraulic fluid missing which I found surprising considering the amount of fluid I saw dripping from the generator radiator compartment. Is it possible it only leaks in a certain position or under a heavy load? I'm asking because Rudy did mention the place in Houston before and I'm wondering if I can make it there.
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #5 –
Chalks is excellent to fix steering boxes.  Get a mobile mechanic to remove the box.  With an appointment set with Chaulks, leave Austin early to drive the box to them just inside the east loop, just south of I-10.  By arriving as they open, the box will be given to you to drive home for a late supper.  Then have it re-installed.

Or, buy extra engine oil to keep the Hyd tank full and drive to my pad east of Houston in Highlands where I have.a full hook up for the coach.  My diesel mobile mechanic will remove and re-install the box.  You and I will drive it to Chalks.  Call Chalks for their price, ask for Chris and mention my name.  Call Clay Gates and ask him how much for his mobile mechanic to come to my place twice, they have done that before and know who I am.  28 one.  6 three 5 8427.  This will give your a accurate amount.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #6 –
Sounds like a good reason to come meet you in person Rudy. I have an appointment with Keith (rust problem) early August. Any chance you'll be in Nacogdoches first week of August? I need to asses the drivability before going to Houston though. If you're a drinking man, I'll bring the bourbon. >:D 
John
Never trust a skinny cook!!!

2001 U270 Build 5833

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #7 –
I might be in Nacogdoches then as I am waiting on Larry Ratliff to be ready to redo my interior window shades.

Keith can remove the box.  Then leave early for Chalks, visit with me if I am not there, and return later in the day to Nac.

Sweet tea for me but I appreciate the kind offer.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #8 –
Last time I talked to MOT in Nacagdoches (maybe 4 months ago) they had one steering box in stock. May still have it.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #9 –
I am going to answer a P/M here for the benefit of others that are interested.

Here is a link to the M-100 steering book that can be found over in the Wiki section of the Forum also.
https://wiki.foreforums.com/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=technical:chassis:mseriesmanual.pdf

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #10 –
Are you sure the steering box is leaking?

Check the hoses and fittings.

Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #11 –
Where is it leaking from? Seal replacement may be an option.

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #12 –
John, Check to see if it is leaking from the outer seal on the drivers side of the steering box.  If so, that is a pretty easy seal to replace, and will stop the leak until you replace the box.  As far as replacing the box, I had mine done a few years ago when NMS was still in business, and they charged 6 hours labor to swap it out. I had the unit shipped to them from RedHead.

As far as not showing a lose of fluid, you probably didn't really lose much. A cup of hydraulic fluid leaking and spraying on the coach looks like a ton and makes a big mess.  Wrap a rag around the box with the tip of the rag pointing into the bay area, and then put a container under the tip of the rag to catch the fluid.  I drove from Colorado to Nacogdoches with the leak and caught all the fluid in the container with no mess.

Good luck and safe travels.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #13 –
Ours started leaking, FORTUNATELY , while I was in Nacagdoches last year
getting things done on the coach.
The good news was given to me while at MOT having the windshield replaced.
They gave me an estimate of $2,000.00 for a rebuilt unit which they had in stock.

I called Keith Risch whom had already done some work on the coach and he gave me a price of $1100.00. He got the job.
 

Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #14 –
The left side non pitman arm seal can be changed at any rest stop. The other side is equally not easy. Requires a lot more tool's also. The leak can be determined by how many gallons of oil you are leaking. Tierspping a towl around the box will direct all leaked oil into a catch can. Could even pour back into systems. I drove from Michigan to North Carolina on to southern Nevada with a leak. If you own a Foretravel and haven't changed or sealed your box just plan to do it. You then can pick the time and place

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #15 –
John,
Sorry for the late response, but I replaced my steering gear in my driveway last year (1998 U295) nothing crazy hard although the gear is about 80#, so it's a little awkward. With the exception of a Sheppard M100 Pitman Arm Puller from Tiger Tool there was no special tools.  It would have been easier if I didn't have my hip replaced a few weeks prior.  Generator squirl cage fan needs to come out.  Redhead in Auburn, Washington did the rebuild.  They didn't have a gear on the shelf at the time so I shipped them mine FedEx, less than a 2 week turnaround from Virginia.  They did a great job and were very responsive.  They included directions how to reinstall.  I recommend them.  Cost of the job, (puller, shipping and rebuild) was around $1000.

Jerry
1998 U295
1998 U295 36' WFTE No Slides, C8.3-325 Cummins, Build #5262
Motorcade #17786
FMCA#1464376
 

Re: U270 Steering Gear Leaking like a crazy

Reply #16 –
4 years ago chalks rebuilt my box for around $650, if you can't bring it there I'm sure shipping will be cheaper to Houston ...if you can come to Rudy's he has a nice place to plug you in while the work is being done... he is about 10 freeway miles from chalks



Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.