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Topic: Exploding steering box mess and limp home (Read 1017 times) previous topic - next topic

Exploding steering box mess and limp home

So a, uhm friend, had his steering box on his FT that was dripping slightly....very very slightly. Then on a short trip it dripped faster. Then he came out one morning and saw a puddle on the ground and opened the bay door and found a nice pool of oil. Started engine and oil was just pouring out the steering box!

Well, this friend, is pretty smart and he just wanted to get home to where tools and a spare used box he had was. Also, it was in the plan to send the box off to get rebuilt due to play issue. Was able to get hydraulic lines off and connected them together with a 1/2 JIC male coupling.....stopped the oil leak.

Big muscles got the RV home. It's possible to drive it. Going down the freeway isn't a big deal...just takes a little muscle in the parking lots and tighter turns. Never dangerous....obvously can't really turn wheels when not moving forward.

Anyway, just a little tid-bit of info. Losing power steering doesn't mean RV will crash.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Exploding steering box mess and limp home

Reply #1 –
Wow! This very good to know... obviously you have a resourceful friend! Were the necessary fittings to connect present in the stock assembly, or is there another spare kit (like the Air Drier bypass) that one needs to procure to make this a tow free experience?
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Exploding steering box mess and limp home

Reply #2 –
1 fitting. looks like this

1/2"...  wrench size to remove hoses 7/8" I believe. Hopefully some clown didn't over-tighten yours and you need to beat on it with hammer.

I helped pull and install the box. Not too bad of job....probably would suck on a u320 with the radiator in the compartment.

1/2" IR electric impact took the pitman nut right off. Special foreforums borrowed tool pulled it off.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Exploding steering box mess and limp home

Reply #3 –
Yep the old Armstrong power steering is intrinsically safe and very reliable as long as you have some velocity. Amazing you got the Pittman arm nut loose with just a half inch impact. May want to inspect that also as a source of play in your steering. Glad you were able to limp home. Try that with fly by wire systems. The ability to limp for 60 miles or on the road temporary solutions is priceless. All the techno Gizmo's enhanced vehicles should remain in sight of port. KISS. JMO and I am an engineer.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Exploding steering box mess and limp home

Reply #4 –
You da man!

The stars are definitely lined up in your favor, a power ball ticket should be your next purchase. Nicely done.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Exploding steering box mess and limp home

Reply #5 –
So it looks like 37ยบ JIC fitting. If so, the air dryer bypass kit might work for that as I think it is also 1/2"... I will have to check to be sure, as that roadside adventure is a distant memory for me at this point.
Don
Quote from: krush –
1 fitting. looks like this

1/2"...  wrench size to remove hoses 7/8" I believe. Hopefully some clown didn't over-tighten yours and you need to beat on it with hammer.

I helped pull and install the box. Not too bad of job....probably would suck on a u320 with the radiator in the compartment.

1/2" IR electric impact took the pitman nut right off. Special foreforums borrowed tool pulled it off.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Exploding steering box mess and limp home

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
Amazing you got the Pittman arm nut loose with just a half inch impact. May want to inspect that also as a source of play in your steering.

The impact gun will loosen the wheel lug-nuts on my RV....it's stout. I think the nut says 350ft lb, which is nothing for it. Best tool I ever bought....the 3/8 will usually do car lug nuts.

The job would be much more difficult and sweating without the right tools. I can't imagine using muscle pull off the pitman arm.

Slide generator out. Pull the belly pan/cover frame off, and craw under and easy access to pitman arm through the hole the radiator blows air out on. Not sure how it would be on something with remote mount radiator on generator.

1998 U270 34'