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Hydraulic Fan Pump Failure

May 07, 2012, 10:13:19 pm

Hey Guys,
I'm helping my brother PDI a 2001 U270 he is looking to purchase and after reviewing the service records I have a question for the group.  This coach had the Hydraulic Fan Pump replaced three times and I find that very strange.  Has anyone had such bad luck with pumps?  The first two were replaced under warranty in 2003 and the latest was done in 2009 (coach had 62K at that time).  The reason I'm asking is the power steering seems to be weak compared to my 2000 U320.  It acts like your running about 75% power assist.  I wondering if this latest pump is failing too.

Thanks to all, 

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Re: Hydraulic Fan Pump Failure

Reply #1 – May 08, 2012, 12:09:43 am

A lot of failures can be traced to a supplier that rebuilds pumps with minimum wage workers using many used parts and gets the low bid. Try a factory new pump installed by a different dealer. Check Yelp or other sources for the shop's reputation.

We had a dealer rebuilding Dodge van automatics that were averaging 40K before they went out again. A change to another dealer pushed the TBO to over 125K.

Pierce

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Re: Hydraulic Fan Pump Failure

Reply #2 – May 08, 2012, 07:55:24 am

Pierce,
All of the repairs on the pumps were done at FOT and I would like to think they used a new pump, but I guess you never know.  We are going to FOT this morning to see if we can find James T.

Thanks,

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Re: Hydraulic Fan Pump Failure

Reply #3 – May 08, 2012, 08:21:26 am

The problem may be a contaminated oil system. When the first pump failed (factory defect or dirt in system?) the hydraulic system was contaminated by a lot of very fine metal particles. The filters in the system would have removed any large contaminates. The system should have been flushed and the oil and filters replaced. A short time later the oil and filters should have been changed again. Very fine metal particles say under 4 microns can pass through the primary filters, stay in the system and act just like a sand blaster. Gam

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Re: Hydraulic Fan Pump Failure

Reply #4 – May 09, 2012, 02:41:36 pm

Gam,
Thanks for the information and that could have been the issue.  My brother could not make a deal on the coach as we discovered a few other issues (cracked exhaust manifold, desiccant in the air system, RF wheel bearing bad, steering issues, cracks in front cap/roof, no record of transmission service ever and a few other minor issues) and the seller would not accept his offer. 

Thanks, 

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