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Topic: Leaking Power Steering Box (Read 416 times) previous topic - next topic

Leaking Power Steering Box

We just returned from a trip and discovered that the power steering gearbox is leaking on our 1995 U320. If further inspection and diagnosis indicates that the box needs to be replaced then I would guess that a RedHead unit would be the best solution. I normally try to do such installations myself but it's late October in Ohio and I don't have access to a heated indoor space. If I need to have it replaced then does anyone have any experience with a competent shop in the Cincinnati/Columbus/Dayton Ohio area (or within a reasonable distance).

I'm reviewing existing posts here, but I also appreciate any comments/recommendations/insight. Thanks!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #1 –
David, I don't know any shops in your area, but just an FYI, when I had my Redhead installed at Nacogdoches Motorhome Service (now closed up) they charged me 6 hours labor to do the complete removal and install. That should give you something to work with for labor.
Also, if it is leaking from the outside seal, that is something that can be repaired fairly easy.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #2 –
It looks as if the leak is coming from the side plate (as installed on our coach). Does anyone have experience at removing this plate and replacing the seal? Thanks!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #3 –
I replaced the sector shaft seals on our 1997 u270 Mark D has a utube on the forum which is very helpful. I already had the pitman arm puller, so didn't have to go buy one. I think the parts were around 60 dollars. Took a couple of hours. If I did another one, it might not take as long. The hardest part is getting all the pieces of the old seals out. The seals are a 2 piece plastic and rubber, not like the typical metal drive in seal. I wouldn't be afraid to tackle another one. I figured I didn't have much to lose, as if it leaked, I could always pull the box and take it somewhere to be rebuilt. They are heavy to remove and reinstall.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #4 –
Quote from: MarkC –
David, I don't know any shops in your area, but just an FYI, when I had my Redhead installed at Nacogdoches Motorhome Service (now closed up) they charged me 6 hours labor to do the complete removal and install. That should give you something to work with for labor.
Also, if it is leaking from the outside seal, that is something that can be repaired fairly easy.

MOT quoted 6 hrs as well, and stated they have a steering gear box in stock.  Ours is still OK, I just inquired for future reference,
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #5 –
Quote from: AC7880 –
MOT quoted 6 hrs as well, and stated they have a steering gear box in stock.  Ours is still OK, I just inquired for future reference,

Are they selling new ones or RedHead reman ones? Price?
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: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #6 –
David,
If the 95 is the same as my 01, and you are only getting the leak from the 8 bolt outside cover, you won't even need to pull the pitman arm and you can complete the task with just a few basic tools.
Take off the 8 bolt cover, have a small container ready to catch some ( less than a quart ) fluid, you'll see the seal that leaks. Pull out the old seal, carefully seat in the new seal and put the cover back on.  Just be sure to have the new seal straight so you don't tear an edge of it or you'll get the same leak again. I'm talking from experience.
There is also a large O-Ring on the cover plate if I remember correctly, be sure to replace that too.
My cover was very tight to remove, I had to carefully get a flatbar in around the edges to pry it off. Be careful doing that as you don't want to gouge the flat mating surface or the plate cover.
You can get the seal from Redhead or also on Ebay.  Hopefully someone may chime in with the correct part number.

Not 100% sure, but this kit may have the seal and o-ring you'll need. But double check for sure.

M90 M100 Power Steering Gear Sector Shaft Seal Repair Kit for Sheppard...
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Leaking Power Steering Box

Reply #7 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Are they selling new ones or RedHead reman ones? Price?
I didn't ask since I was not looking immediately.  He mentioned parts prce but I don't recall.

Their labor rate is now $160 hr, FOT $150 hr according to signs I saw.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide