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Topic: Possible Steering Leak (Read 1160 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #25 –
Update! visited Sam's Club and bought six gallons of 15W40, in gallon sizes; a 42 pound box of kitty litter; and 18 tinfoil roasting pans. Put some kitty litter in the bottom of a pan, and placed it about three feet behind the leak center. Backed up three feet and shut the engine off.

After two hours, there was only a small amount of leakage, as seen in the first photo.

The second photo shows the steering box from the below. The side with all the bolts around the edge is on the right and is dry. The bottom has four bolts; the top two are dry, and the lower right is mostly dry, but the lower left might show a little moisture. However, the long arm on the left does have some moisture on it.

The third photo shows the bottom of that arm and where it is attached. (Maybe one of these is called a Pittman arm?) The red circle shows a drop that is about to fall. The leak appears to be up there somewhere, but I could not get a better look without installing my safety stands and getting really dirty (which I managed to do without the safety stands).

Back to the hydraulic tank. (I had forgotten to pick up a funnel, but DW let me *have* one of her collapsible funnels to add fluid; she did not want it back.) With her assistance, I added one whole gallon without anything showing in the sight glass, or anything on the dipstick. Started the second gallon and got about one quart in before it showed in the sight glass; the dipstick showed at the top of the ADD mark. Added a little more, to the middle of the COLD mark.

I lost five quarts of hydraulic fluid, in an unknown period of time. Prior to refilling, I was losing only a few drops an hour. I did not restart the engine after refilling the hydraulic tank, because I was content with my existing data. We will leave in the morning and head towards NAC. We will stop regularly to check the tank level, adding fluid when needed.

So far, I have not experienced any signs of the power steering failing to work properly or make unusual noises. We will continue to monitor its performance, along with the fluid level. Without additional problems, we hope to make NAC by noon on Friday, where I will get Bill's "old" seat while he enjoys his new throne. Afterwards, we head for home, where we have doctor appointments on Monday and Wednesday.

I still do not know where my leak is originating, I suspect it is hydraulic fluid, used for power steering. I have been complaining that my steering wheel is too sloppy and requires too much input while trying to drive a straight line. A rebuilt steering box would probably solve that problem. I hope the process of replacing it will also fix my hydraulic leak, but that remains to be seen. Anyone have a redhead blueprinted steering box laying around?

With this detailed report, I hope you experienced fofumers can help diagnose my problem and point me to the next step, especially if it is drastically different than my outlined travel plans. I am encouraged by the slowness of the leak, and the lack of apparent steering problems. Since I did not win the lottery tonight, maybe the full hydraulic tank will also solve my sloppy centering problem.

Thanks for the support I have received so far, and for any additional guidance you can provide,

Trent

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #26 –
Trent,

If you can make Nac before dark it would be good. We have a Spring Storm Alert

for tomorrow night. They are predicting high winds and rain, low for tornados and

hail.

Have a safe trip,

Carter-

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #27 –
I have recently returned from my trip to California and had just taken my coach out of winter storage of 6 months. Unfortunately, this time the storage was dead storage and with no real access to the coach to start and drive every 3 to 4 weeks as I normally do. Before the trip I checked all the usual points, fluids, belts, pressures, and levels. Everything seemed fine until I got to southern Oregon and when stopping for the night I had the tell tale signs of oil down the side of the coach and a few spots of oil under the box. I managed to crawl under the coach and check out the leak and it was from the high pressure exerted when turning, especially sharp turns. When I checked my reservoir for the power steering I was down about a pint, so I topped it off. I could not do much as it was a Sunday and when I called a few shops they mentioned about a 2 week wait. I was on a 3 week holiday trip to visit my sister's place in Calif. and go to Disneyland after the long winter. I decided to keep it topped off at every stop and it only used about another pint in almost 1000 miles. I knew it was the sector shaft seals and had no problem with noise or steering problems. The funny thing was when I was in Bakersfield on the return trip I topped it off with about a pint of half synthetic 15w40 as I grabbed the wrong jug. By the time I got to Northern California the leak had stopped and I have not had a problem since, which happened to be another 800 plus miles. This, I'm sure, may not work for everyone but I think my seal was just dry from the lack of use. I did pick up a set of seals from Straight Line Steering Inc. over the phone so I can replace them myself or if I get the chance for a rebuild I will do it. Yes, it is a hard decision to make but depending upon the severity of the leak some may be able to get away with this too. Just be aware that these boxes are not light, about 100 lbs, I think they mentioned so be sure to get help before dropping it on your foot or worse and removing the pitman arm a special tool and air wrench will be needed if you decide to tackle it yourself. I wish you the best of luck on your problem and hope you get it resolved quickly.

Also, check youtube for videos on how to rebuild the box. Just enter "M100 Sheppard steering box" and there will be a video for just about every possible seal replacement.

John
John Smith
1994 U280 36' John, Pauline, & Marley Cat
2010 Ford Fusion

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #28 –
Tulsa Trent,

In your second picture, notice the very small standard screw recessed to the right of center.

That and one like it on the top of the box set max cut angle.  The further out the screw, the more the cut angle.  You may be able to gain cut angle if carefully adjusting them.

Remember, the physical stops (axle to knuckle) are to prevent tire interference with body or suspension parts. The screws on the Sheppard box should be adjusted to give you an air gap so that the axle never gets to the physical stops.  Hitting the stops SUBSTANTIALLY raises hydraulic pressure and can easily blow seals.
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: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #29 –
Trent,

Downstream drop me a pm.  There definitely is a shop in NAC not to use for this work in my opinion.  I will give you my experience and you draw your own conclusion.  Business practice not mechanical expertise. 

Given my experience you are getting some great advice here.  If I knew then what I know now I would have stayed put and sent it out for blueprinting.

Good luck buddy!
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #30 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –
Backed up three feet and shut the engine off.

After two hours, there was only a small amount of leakage, as seen in the first photo.
Trent,

It sounds like you did not run the engine long - just long enough to back it up a bit...and you made no turns.

The power steering system is not "pressurized" until the engine (and power steering pump) is running.  The pressure in the system goes up when you turn the steering wheel.  As Brett states, It goes WAY up if you turn the wheel (either direction) all the way and hit the "stops".

My only comment would be that you did not actually "test" the steering system with your short engine run and move.  When you actually start out for your trip to NAC, I would recommend (after a few miles of driving) another "stop, look and assess the leak".  If you are lucky, there will be no change and you can continue your journey.  If the leakage has increased in volume, then you will have to make more frequent stops to check and replenish the level in your oil reservoir.

Good luck!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #31 –
I have been looking at specs for the Sheppard-M100-Steering-Gears and redhead rebuild services for some time.

First I offer this ad and then a few comments and questions.

Nice Rebuilt Sheppard M100 Steering Gear Cast# M100PCTR- Ships Free!! | eBay

Comments
1)This looks like a large truck repair company
2) the sticker in the pictures says it was re-manufactured by Sheppard.


Questions
The listed gear has a cast id of "PCTR". I have run across vendors that sold (listed) many different cast #s
I think some of the differences refer to whether the adjustment throws are automatic or not.

Qs
1) What do the different cast #s  tell me?
2) Is  the above referenced gear what I want for my '96?

Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #32 –
Quote from: TheBrays –
I have been looking at specs for the Sheppard-M100-Steering-Gears and redhead rebuild services for some time.

First I offer this ad and then a few comments and questions.

Nice Rebuilt Sheppard M100 Steering Gear Cast# M100PCTR- Ships Free!! | eBay

Comments
1)This looks like a large truck repair company
2) the sticker in the pictures says it was re-manufactured by Sheppard.


Questions
The listed gear has a cast id of "PCTR". I have run across vendors that sold (listed) many different cast #s
I think some of the differences refer to whether the adjustment throws are automatic or not.

Qs
1) What do the different cast #s  tell me?
2) Is  the above referenced gear what I want for my '96?

Here is a picture of a 96
Steering Gear Oil Leak - 96 U270
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: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #33 –
Chuck said what I would have mentioned. Run the engine and turn the steering to build up pressure to see leak.
Bretts answer re- stops is my thought causing leak as yours may be the same problem mine was- incorrect setting of  stops on the frame, causing the hydraulic plunger to not swap over direction relief valve and reduce pressure. It keeps building up and blows top seals. J D Stevens explained to me while I was having same problem and also how to remove them with box in place.
Run engine and fine that leak Trent!!
I also concur with G and Steph's comment on who not to go to in Nac as I was PMd by a few on this matter.
I hope for you that if the box is the problem it is only the same fix as mine was. Seal kit was $25 and took about 4 hrs to re & re once I had parts.
Take care U 2
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #34 –
John, care to share on who not to go to in Nac if one wants to repair their steering box?
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #35 –
We are parked overnight at Camp Foretravel in Nacogdoches. Will visit parts department this morning and get back on the road to Owasso. Ducky ran fine with the usual sloppy steering around the center. Plan to get a redhead blueprinted steering box to replace ours and, in the R&R process let one of the NAC shops eliminate any remaining leak, if any.
 
Just found out that a tornado touched down about four miles from our home! Anxious to check that we did not have any damage from the storm.
 
Thanks for all the great advice and support from y'all,
 
Trent

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #36 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –
. Plan to get a redhead blueprinted steering box to replace ours and, in the R&R process let one of the NAC shops eliminate any remaining leak, if any.

Trent,

While you have your steering system apart you should look at replacing the dust boots that are missing (your last pic.) from your ball joints (if the ball joints aren't wore out).
You will need 4- # L24VC0109

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Possible Steering Leak

Reply #37 –
My so called humble opinion is to change the whole joint for a few dollars more,you have to disassemble the harder part anyway.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.