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Topic: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla (Read 491 times) previous topic - next topic

Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Hya all, I finally got all the wheels back on after fitting new brake calipers and pads, went up there this morning to test it out, some good news some bad news, was able to move the vehicle forward and reverse in straight line and brakes worked OK on pressing brake pedal and released, however the power steering seems to be playing up and I'm not sure if it's a case of air in the hydraulics or what, I can move the steering wheel no problem for about  half a turn and I can feel that the power steering is doing its job but then I seem to come to an obsticle where it feels like something is catching the brake pedal and makes a horrible noise where its catching or rubbing on something, and yet I cannot see anything that it is catching on, if Ive got my foot on the brake pedal and turn the steering wheel I can feel the pedal like moving up and down in spasms, I am able to turn the steering from lock to lock but not in one even sweep from right to left, it just feels like there is some kind of obstacle but I can't see anything specific underneath, I haven't removed the steering box, or any of the steering gear or drag link or tie rods and they all worked fine when last used, however I have replaced virtually all hydraulic lines power steering pump to steering box, short pipe from steering box to hydro boost is the original because that was in good condition, I've replaced return pipe from hydro boost to hydraulic relay valve and all pipes from relay valve back to tank and parking brake chamber, before I put the wheels on with engine off I was able to turn the steering wheel left to right and there wasn't anything catching the brake pedal, could it just be something as simple that I need to bleed the hydraulic system, if so can anyone tell me the best way, is there a bleed valve anywhere thanks kev
1990 foretravel grandvilla, Oshkosh chassis
8.2ltr Detroit turbo

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #1 –
Sounds like air in the line, not sure how to bleed it out on your system. On trucks I have worked on with HydroBoost just going from lock to lock on the steering solved it.
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Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #2 –
Disclaimer:  I have no first hand experience on the DD 8.2.

On your DD8.2, is the hydraulic pump belt driven?  Any sign of slipping?

Fluid level full?
Brett Wolfe
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Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #3 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Disclaimer:  I have no first hand experience on the DD 8.2.

On your DD8.2, is the hydraulic pump belt driven?  Any sign of slipping?

Fluid level full?
It was full when I last checked it, about two weeks ago, and haven't had any leaks,  the park brake is operating so fluid is getting through, il check belt tomorrow but seemed OK when I had engine running last week, if I jack both front wheels off the ground with engine off I can turn the steering from lickbto lock and no interference and no noises
1990 foretravel grandvilla, Oshkosh chassis
8.2ltr Detroit turbo

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #4 –
Quote from: kevo0000 –
It was full when I last checked it, about two weeks ago, and haven't had any leaks,  the park brake is operating so fluid is getting through, il check belt tomorrow but seemed OK when I had engine running last week, if I jack both front wheels off the ground with engine off I can turn the steering from lickbto lock and no interference and no noises

You didn't say either way but it sounds as though you have a belt driven power steering pump.  I've been there is a Chevy P30 Chassi'd SOB.  When the belt slips you lose all boost to the brakes and the steering.  Fun times!

If the hydraulic pump that provides the power to boost your steering and brakes is gear driven, have someone monitor the fluid level in the reservoir while to run the steering from lock to lock and pump the brakes.
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Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
You didn't say either way but it sounds as though you have a belt driven power steering pump.  I've been there is a Chevy P30 Chassi'd SOB.  When the belt slips you lose all boost to the brakes and the steering.  Fun times!

If the hydraulic pump that provides the power to boost your steering and brakes is gear driven, have someone monitor the fluid level in the reservoir while to run the steering from lock to lock and pump the brakes.
Il upload my power steering pump part no. Tomorrow maybe someone would know of someone whom I could contact that may have one in stock, thanks kevq
1990 foretravel grandvilla, Oshkosh chassis
8.2ltr Detroit turbo

Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #6 –
Quote from: kevo0000 –
....., if I jack both front wheels off the ground with engine off I can turn the steering from lock to lock and no interference and no noises
But that does not simulate normal. Two pieces of sheet metal with grease between each under both front wheels (SKID PLATES). Then try to turn lock to lock with weight on axles. Just a thought to eliminate any interference from chassis.
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Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #7 –
Sounds like air in the system. If you changed a bunch of lines it will take a while to get it bled. Recheck the fluid level it's probably low.
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Re: Power steering problem on my 1990 grandvilla

Reply #8 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Disclaimer:  I have no first hand experience on the DD 8.2.

On your DD8.2, is the hydraulic pump belt driven?  Any sign of slipping?

Fluid level full?
Thanks a lot, it was my power steering belt that was loose, I've re done it now and give the adjusting nut a real good tighten hopefully it won't come loose again cheers kev
1990 foretravel grandvilla, Oshkosh chassis
8.2ltr Detroit turbo