Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 06, 2025 ...

Power steering pump - Need Direction

October 06, 2010, 12:36:56 pm

Hi,

Almost 4 years ago, we bought a 1985 rear engine diesel 36' Foretravel.  It was our intention to use it as our entry level coach before stepping up to a more recent Foretravel.  Well, instead we have decided to keep it, remodeling and upgrading.  Since then we have been "lurking" on the Yahoo Foretravel board and now on Foreforums, and have learned ever so much from everyone.  Now, we have our own issue that we need to ask for assistance with.

A couple of days ago, after we just finished having the radiator cleaned, new hoses, etc. at WY CAT,  we pulled out and headed east.  About 15 minutes later on I-80 my power steering started to tighten up.  A minute of two passed and the power steering came back.  It happened again a few miles down the road.  To be on the safe side, we got off at the next exit and found the "local" rv park.  Looking under the coach, I found power steering fluid dripping underneath the center rear of of coach.  The next morning, I cautiously drove it to the local heavy repair shop (about 2 miles away).  After a cleaning the rear of the engine and inspection, I was told that the power steering pump was gone. 

It is a 25 year old coach so I understand the power steering pump could go at any time.  The repair facility has checked all around and can't seem to find a pump.  Any idea as to who made the pump, model, etc. or suggestions as to where we could get this information or inquire about obtaining one.  We are going to drive into Cheyenne and check with WY Cat and Freightliner (it's an Oshkosh chassis) repair shops.

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  (We'd like to get out of Dodge before winter  ).  Thanks. 

Jerry Berard

Quote Selected

Re: Power steering pump - Need Direction

Reply #1 – October 06, 2010, 12:39:28 pm

Call James Triana at Foretravel

Quote Selected

Re: Power steering pump - Need Direction

Reply #2 – October 06, 2010, 12:54:13 pm

Or call Foretravel 800 955-6226.  Mike Grimes154. He is the parts manager and may be able to look up the manufacturer and part number for you.

Or, if you know the manufacturer of the pump, call them about a new one and/or about a recommendation for a place they recommend to rebuild it in your area.

Brett Wolfe

Quote Selected

Re: Power steering pump - Need Direction

Reply #3 – October 06, 2010, 03:28:35 pm

Jerry, Even if you have an obsolete pump don't give up on it.  A GOOD hydraulic repair shop should be able to rebuild it unless the case or another major component is badly damaged.  Look in the yellow pages for a Hydraulic repair shop, you might have to take the pump to them.
Good Luck

Quote Selected

Re: Power steering pump - Need Direction

Reply #4 – October 06, 2010, 05:21:39 pm

Agree with Gary, Ask Wy Cat, surely they will know who can rebuild the pump, maybe even they can.  A Cat shop should be very well versed in all components on a truck, not just the engine.  At least should be able to direct you to proper repair.
Good luck
Dave

Quote Selected

Re: Power steering pump - Need Direction

Reply #5 – October 07, 2010, 10:10:11 am

Jerry,
We went through the pump problems a couple of years ago. I first tried FT for help, don't bother. After about five weeks of searching, I came across the right people. I have a 1991 3208T Cat. with an Eaton B Model Pulley Drive Shaft which is what FT originally installed. It is a shelf item which was mostly installed on Ford 600 series and larger trucks 80's and 90's vintage. I only needed a new pulley and woodruff key, (about $70) instead of $700 + that FT was talking. I think the entire punp and pulley pkg is a little over $280 + shipping.


Try: mark@straightlinesteering.com  or

951-276-9256


Good luck,
Byron
!991  36' U280
Build #3922

Quote Selected