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power steering

Subject is 1999 U320....114k miles......rebuilt steering box (RedHead) installed 5 months/600 miles ago. Replaced due to leaking seal and sloppy steering. No problems encountered during first 300 mile trip.
 Experiencing intermittent partial loss of power steering after 20-30 miles of driving. First time it happened was after approx 130 miles. Starts out with normal assist but gets harder to steer during trip. Never has quit steering.....yet.  All normal checks are good, oil full, no leaks, no kinked hoses, fans working as they should. Never overheated. Don't know what it would feel like without power steering so no comparison there. Been reading on this forum about hydraulic pump failures with no parts available to borrow, steal, or buy. Getting worried.
Any experience in this area would be very helpful....Thank you in advance.




Re: power steering

Reply #1 –
I believe the hydraulic pump failure wasn't the U320. When you loose the the power steering it is
very difficult to turn the wheel. I blew a hydraulic hose one day turning into the driveway and with
the coach stopped I need my son too help me steer when stopped. It is easier when the coach is moving.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: power steering

Reply #2 –
It's probably not the pump. Did the hydraulic filters get changed? Does the oil show signs of foaming while it is happening? You may be able to hear the sector bypassing when it's happening? Strange. Have you reached out to the rebuild shop?

Re: power steering

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dsd –
It's probably not the pump. Did the hydraulic filters get changed? Does the oil show signs of foaming while it is happening?

I was thinking the same thing-- change the filters in the hydraulic reservoir.  Good idea to buy the new lid gasket at the same time.

Look closely for any sign of metal or contamination of the fluid.
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: power steering

Reply #4 –
Suggest fluid and Filter change....if still the OE pump and still doing it, could be the priority flow divider that is part of the pump but can possible be bought separate. Depends on what pump you have.

The Hydraulic pump failure issue is mainly on the 8.3 Engines that run an external, lateral  shaft mounted pump. Your email to me stated you had a 99 320, I am under the impression the 320's run a different setup. BUT would possibly still have a priority flow divider.

As for parts for those setups that have failed, yes full pumps and PFD's are available. But, for how long dont know. I, along with all the support here, worked with the manufacturer to bring many of these back into production.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: power steering

Reply #5 –
Yes, filters and fluid were changed when steering box was replaced.....same had been changed 1 year ago as maintenance only.
No foaming noticed with recent issue. Thank you "Oldguy", now I know I did not lose all power. Seems about 50% lose in power assist. Not sure which coaches were affected by the pump failure but Keith Reich noted he was not aware of this particular problem. Hopefully others will chime in if they have experienced this. If any Cummins pros on here please comment.
MKC1962....thank you for your efforts on reproducing of these pumps, my son has the 8.3 in his FT....and if you have any additional info on that flow divider please share.

Re: power steering

Reply #6 –
Click on @mkc1962 avatar then you can read all his posts on that subject.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: power steering

Reply #7 –
I would call Red Head, explain what's going on and give them the details of what has been done and see what they think.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'
 

Re: power steering

Reply #8 –
Quote from: JChafton –
Yes, filters and fluid were changed when steering box was replaced.....same had been changed 1 year ago as maintenance only.
No foaming noticed with recent issue. Thank you "Oldguy", now I know I did not lose all power. Seems about 50% lose in power assist. Not sure which coaches were affected by the pump failure but Keith Reich noted he was not aware of this particular problem. Hopefully others will chime in if they have experienced this. If any Cummins pros on here please comment.
MKC1962....thank you for your efforts on reproducing of these pumps, my son has the 8.3 in his FT....and if you have any additional info on that flow divider please share.

OK, I see by this post you did in fact have new filters and oil. If this effect was not happening before you changed to the new gear box, and not happening until a while after the new install, I gotta wonder is it in fact something with the new gear box. Sounds like your gonna get with manufacturer on that. If they seem to think no way can be anything with that, I'd consider the PFD as a possible culprit.

There was another here on the forum experiencing similar earlier this year....I pointed them at  Simone at QCC and that person was able to get a new PFD and solved their issues. ( sorry cant remember who it was). If you go that route you will need to know the pump number that you have on your coach....I am under the impression that the 320's had a internal shaft, engine driven pump, possible the 40178. All of these pumps have a PFD.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918