Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Topic: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla (Read 603 times) previous topic - next topic

Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

August 13, 2020, 05:33:03 am

Hya all, referring back to my earlier post a couple of weeks go , I'm still having problems with power steering, Brett advised me to check my belts and I found they had come loose, I tightened them up, and, immediately, I had better steering, was able to turn the steering lock to lock with one finger, I can operate the hydraulic brake booster, but if I hold the brake pedal down, and then try and turn the steering, it's terrible it's stiff makes the engine slow down, and since I've done that now it dossent matter if I'm using the brake hydro boost or not, the steering on its own won't turn from lock to lock without making horrible noise, so I think the pump must be weak, my hydraulic parking brake chamber works and the brake hydro boost, but I think the power steering must require more pressure than both, I'm struggling here, I can't find anyone that can supply me a new pump, I've found the part no. Written on the pump as you can see in photos, but it doesn't tell me who it's made by, I've googled it nothing, les michaels at freightliner gave me this part number made by Eaton ETN16681010, also I've googled this number and nothing, would anyone know how mutch psi pump pressure is needed to work steering and hydro boost together with no issues,, cause if I cannot get hold of the oem pump then will have to use any new pump and make new bracket for it, I've uploaded, two photos of my pump as well thanks kev)

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #1 – August 13, 2020, 09:04:23 am

Kev,

When searching the internet for a part or "item" of unknown origin, I have found it very helpful to use the "Images" category in the Google search function. So for instance to look for your power steering pump, I would enter the search term "power steering pump" and look through the many images. I keep modifying/refining the search term and pulling up different sets of images. It is a time-consuming way to search, I admit, but in many cases I have successfully located what I needed using this technique.

I would be happy to try my hand at looking for your pump, but would need more photos. I need views from front, back, top, bottom, and all sides. This search method relies on picking out distinctive visual characteristics of the item. For instance, the curved pipe coming out of the reservoir and pointing "backwards" away from the pulleys.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #2 – August 13, 2020, 09:29:16 am

There is a chance that the pressure hose to the steering has come apart on the inside. If you can remove that hose and check flow through it then I would research more. The fact that it slows the engine down means it is making pressure. If the pump was bad it would not slow down the engine. Look for the steering or the hose to be the problem.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #3 – August 13, 2020, 09:41:49 am

A thought, could the pump still be working but bypassing pressure internally?

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #4 – August 13, 2020, 10:23:14 am

Quote from: craneman – August 13, 2020, 09:29:16 am

There is a chance that the pressure hose to the steering has come apart on the inside. If you can remove that hose and check flow through it then I would research more. The fact that it slows the engine down means it is making pressure. If the pump was bad it would not slow down the engine. Look for the steering or the hose to be the problem.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #5 – August 13, 2020, 10:41:38 am

Well, I have just been underneath and slackened off the nut that goes into the steering box with engine on tick over, and there is fluid coming out I've slackened off the nut that comes out of the steering box, that goes straight into my hydraulic power brake booster, and the fluid is coming out of that, then I've gone to the rear and slackened the nut from the return line that goes back to reservoir, the brake booster seems to be working OK and the parking brake chamber also is working, but if I try to turn the steering wheel, I can turn a qtr turn each way and then I can hear engine slowing and an awful screeching coming from the pump, I'm gonna roll the front wheels onto two metal plates in a bit, a few days ago I had the steering working better but then I put my foot on the brake and then tried to turn the steering wheel and it was a real struggle, so it's making me think that even though the pump is putting some pressure through the system, maybe it's just not strong enough to work both, so maybe I have a weak pump, but then if it's slowing the engine down and screeching, then it must be doing something, like you said, so I thought get myself a new pump and if everything is OK then that was the fault, if I'm still having problems, at least then I can eliminate the pump and search elsewhere, maybe I have got 1 massi e airlock that doesn't want to shift, I don't know,

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #6 – August 13, 2020, 10:45:14 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – August 13, 2020, 09:04:23 am

Kev,

When searching the internet for a part or "item" of unknown origin, I have found it very helpful to use the "Images" category in the Google search function. So for instance to look for your power steering pump, I would enter the search term "power steering pump" and look through the many images. I keep modifying the search term slightly and pulling up different sets of images. It is a time-consuming way to search, I admit, but in many cases I have successfully located what I needed using this technique.

I would be happy to try my hand at looking for your pump, but would need more photos. I need views from front, back, top, bottom, and all sides. This search method relies on picking out distinctive visual characteristics of the item. For instance, the curved pipe coming out of the reservoir and pointing "backwards" away from the pulleys.

Hya chuck, I will take a few more photos of the pump, I had the pump off last week, its back on at the moment, but il get a light on it and send some more photos, thanks for your help kev

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #7 – August 13, 2020, 10:45:42 am

An air leak would make noise but not slow the engine down. if you have the wheels on the ground the friction is going to be more than if you were moving.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #8 – August 13, 2020, 12:05:47 pm

Quote from: craneman – August 13, 2020, 10:45:42 am

An air leak would make noise but not slow the engine down. if you have the wheels on the ground the friction is going to be more than if you were moving.

I've just discovered that, Ive just put steel plates on the ground with greese on them drove vehicle on and am able to turn steering wheel a lot better, I can even drive the vehicle and turn OK, and brakes work, but I'm still concerned about the fact that if I'm standing still and start turning steering wheel with foot hard on brake, I.can still feel resistance in the steering, however it still seems better than it was, maybe I do still have air in system not sure but il keep turning steering from lock to lock and keep checking fluid level, but I'm still gonna look for another pump anyway as its something worth fitting, il upload more photos of the pump, and will try to search myself and maybe chuck can find a supplier for me or yourself if you don't mind, thanks for help kev

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #9 – August 13, 2020, 12:19:43 pm

It looks like a standard truck power steering pump with a different can on it. I will post pics of the '81 International.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #10 – August 13, 2020, 12:20:03 pm

Quote from: kevo0000 – August 13, 2020, 12:05:47 pm

I'm still concerned about the fact that if I'm standing still and start turning steering wheel with foot hard on brake, I.can still feel resistance in the steering...

Perhaps it's just me, but I try to avoid turning the steering wheel whilst our coach is stationary. Doing so is hard on the steering mechanism, hard on the tires, and hard on the surface under the tires. Is it really necessary?

Like the old joke: Patient says "It only hurts when I move it". Doctor says "Then don't move it".

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #11 – August 13, 2020, 12:33:25 pm

These pumps were used on many different manufactures from mid 70's until at least late 80's I have 2 '71 internationals and one '85 Ford truck that have the same pump. I even kept a spare and never needed it in over 30 years of use.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #12 – August 13, 2020, 12:35:24 pm

Quote from: craneman – August 13, 2020, 12:19:43 pm

It looks like a standard truck power steering pump with a different can on it. I will post pics of the '81 International.

OK thanks

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #13 – August 13, 2020, 12:38:10 pm

To add to the information there is a filter inside the can.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #14 – August 13, 2020, 12:44:07 pm

Quote from: kevo0000 – August 13, 2020, 12:35:24 pm

OK thanks

Yeah I know what your saying, that's why I put some steel plates underneath the front wheels, and it was definitely better as I speeded up the engine, I havent driven for so long that I can't remember what it used to feel like before, had a look at your pics, looks like you ja e the reservoir attached to the pump, mine has a separate reservoir driver side at rear, has 3 connections, 1 return, 1 fill and the other I think is return from parking brake chamber, il take some more pics of mine tomorrow as I've just had shower now and then il upload them, thanks a lot

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #15 – August 13, 2020, 01:31:18 pm

You would just use your can. The filter kit comes with a new o ring and 2 washer seals for the studs

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #16 – August 13, 2020, 02:15:56 pm

Kev, I just put 1980s era power steering pump into Google and it came up with some that seem to be similar to what you have so try that and see if they match
Johnh

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #17 – August 13, 2020, 03:13:36 pm

If the engine loads up ,the pump is working. You are loosing pressure along the way to the steering gear someplace.

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #18 – August 13, 2020, 03:30:15 pm

Quote from: Protech Racing – August 13, 2020, 03:13:36 pm

If the engine loads up ,the pump is working. You are loosing pressure along the way to the steering gear someplace.

Hya Mike thanks for that info, thing is I have replaced most of hoses, and the one from pump to steering is one brand new complete hose, I made sure when I Had my hoses made that I kept the inside diameter the same as the old pipework, it was a lot easier doing it that way, cause the old pipework was a mixture of steel pipe and flexi hose and most of the pipes ran along chassis up where all the tanks are, I did check with the hydraulic specialist that made the hoses for me that it would be OK to use all flexi hose

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #19 – August 13, 2020, 04:01:04 pm

Don't rule out the steering box. The steering gear I'm familiar with bypasses the flow when not needed, and diverts some/all of it to turning the wheels when called for. It could be possible that the valving in the steering box is not diverting the flow properly and, at the same time, stopping/reducing the bypass when the steering wheel is moved. I'm not saying this is your problem, but just something to consider.... based on the given info, where I would look.

Your engine "loads up" when the wheel is turned so, as mentioned, the pump is probably good. The lines must be clear or the pump would labor regardless of steering input. That should leave only one thing.

Greg

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #20 – August 14, 2020, 01:30:54 pm

Quote from: MisterEd – August 13, 2020, 04:01:04 pm

Don't rule out the steering box. The steering gear I'm familiar with bypasses the flow when not needed, and diverts some/all of it to turning the wheels when called for. It could be possible that the valving in the steering box is not diverting the flow properly and, at the same time, stopping/reducing the bypass when the steering wheel is moved. I'm not saying this is your problem, but just something to consider.... based on the given info, where I would look.

Your engine "loads up" when the wheel is turned so, as mentioned, the pump is probably good. The lines must be clear or the pump would labor regardless of steering input. That should leave only one thing.

Greg

Thanks for input, but I've realised what the problem is or part of, couple of weeks bret said to me check my belt which I did and it was really loose so I tightened it up and it seemed OK, haven't had the engine running mutch since, so this morning I checked the belt again and it had come loose again, after I'd tightened the bolts as tight as tight can be, anyway what I didn't realise was when I purchased the engine from USA I didn't change my original crankshaft pulley, I thought it's an 8.2ltr at first glance it looked the same, so I left it on but when everything went back together the pulleys didn't line up properly so I put some washers behind the water pump pulley to bring that out level with the alternator, which was OK but the power steering pulley couldn't quite get lined up perfect but it seemed to work at first, meanwhile the engine went back into coach, it looked as though it was close but obviously it wasn't and also the extension pulley which I had specially made, a copy of the old one cause it was worn, didn't fit the crank pulley that came with the engine, so today Ive decided I've got no choice if I want it right to swap the pulleys over, I didn't think at first I would be able to remove the pulley with engine in sit, in the workshop manual it states that I needed to remove front engine mounts to get at it but not so, I was able to squeeze a bar into the slot on the crank from top of engine under bed and was able to undo the crankshaft pulley bolt, it was tough I must admit, took a lot of arm muscle, but it gave way in the end, anyway if anyone is interested I've made special puller using thick steel, well I did all the measurements and actually got someone to make it for me £30.00 and it's just the right size it will fit onto top of pulley nut and the plate attaches to the 4 bolt holes where extension pulley will fit, and all I got to do is tighten the two lock nuts and the pulley will come off, il upload a photo of this tool just incase any other member wants to tackle this job themselves, the fan and pulley needs to be removed as it gets in the way but it will fit between the pulley and radiator, so hopefully when it is all changed everything should line up better and maybe the pump won't go loose again, once I get that sorted I'm not that far away from getting it back on the road again, when I send a pic of this puller I got made, il put it as a new topic, rather than on this one,, thanks for advise

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