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Topic: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement  (Read 711 times) previous topic - next topic

Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

We have a 1998 coach with 85,000 miles. The power steering gear started weeping a tiny bit of oil. It went from barely visible for the first 500 miles, but the leak accelerated to the point that after about 1200 miles it had lost 5 quarts. We have the coach at Nacogdoches motorhome services and they have received a redhead rebuilt steering gear to replace mine. Also have them working on my furnace.

We canceled a 1200 mile round trip to ABQ, and ran to Nac. Strategic retreat.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #1 –
Mileage doesn't seem to be as big a factor as age. I did mine before it leaked.
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: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #2 –
Yes, age seems to be the deciding factor. Amazing how quickly it went from a barely visible weep to a significant leak. Glad I read the many posts on the forum and knew to keep an eye on it. Probably saved me a tow.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #3 –
Let us know about the R&R cost at NMS.  Be sure to do a test drive to ensure the steering wheel is where you want it when going straight down the road.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #4 –
Same problem. Went from a tiny leak to a torrent. I'm next on the list for a redhead but they are waiting on 4 cores.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #5 –
Setting Steering Box Left and Right Pressure Relief

The other thing to verify is that the pressure relief settings for turning left and right are set correctly.  They relieve hydraulic pressure before you get to the hard stops against the frame.  If they are not set right and you hit the hard stops you have high hydraulic pressure against the seals with nowhere to go but blow out the seals.  Easy to check and set.  With a rebuilt box that was not in your coach to start with there is no way to know where they are set and guessing they might be right is a risky choice.

This video shows exactly how to do it.
http://www.rhsheppard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/RHShep-English-Relief-Plunger-Adjustments.mp4

Sheppard Service Videos

RH Sheppard | Sheppard Service and Instructional Videos

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
The other thing to verify is that the pressure relief settings for turning left and right are set correctly.  They relieve hydraulic pressure before you get to the hard stops against the frame.  If they are not set right and you hit the hard stops you have high hydraulic pressure against the seals with nowhere to go but blow out the seals.  Easy to check and set.  With a rebuilt box that was not in your coach to start with there is no way to know where they are set and guessing they might be right is a risky choice.

http://www.rhsheppard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/RHShep-English-Relief-Plunger-Adjustments.mp4

Sheppard Service Videos

RH Sheppard | Sheppard Service and Instructional Videos



ABSOLUTELY CORRECT AND ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL.

The good news is the only tool needed is a small standard screwdriver and something to measure clearance between knuckle and stop-- I use a scrap of 1/8" aluminum.

You may also gain some wheel cut angle in doing it.

Basics are, with coach at proper ride height:

You will need someone at the wheel and someone under the coach.

Back off mechanical stops (bolts).

Adjust max cut angle so that you have ample clearance between tire/wheel and suspension and body components. Screwing out on the small standard screws on the Sheppard M100 box increase cut angle.

Ease off steering wheel and set mechanical stop (bolt) so that wheel can NOT interfere with suspension/body components.

Start easing steering box adjustment until there is a 1/8" gap at the mechanical stop.

So, properly adjusted, you have max cut angle and the steering box goes close (1/8") from the hard stop, but never contacts it.

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: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #7 –
I suppose mine is one of the cores they are waiting on. I'll let you know when mine gets shipped.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #8 –
Quote from: craneman –
Mileage doesn't seem to be as big a factor as age. I did mine before it leaked.

I agree, but also pretty sure it's how much the coach is used regularly, along with the climate they are kept in. When they sit, they dry out.

Regular use good, sitting in storage bad. Same with many other things on coach.

Chris

Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348
 

Re: Another Power Steering Gear Replacement

Reply #9 –
NMS put my Redhead in last September, they did a great job.  I think you'll be happy with their service.  They knew I was coming and had the unit shipped to them a couple of weeks before I got their.  Sent my core back to Redhead as soon as they were finished.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad