Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: leaking steering box 1997 U295 (Read 725 times) previous topic - next topic

leaking steering box 1997 U295

leaking steering box 1997 U295.  the round plate on the side of the box is pouring oil out the bottom.  Is the part number for the seal kit 5545221 from redhead?  no leaks anywhere else. 
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #2 –
Problem with a field rebuild/reseal on a Sheppard 100 that old is the slop that will remain.  They are loose to begin with and get worse with age.  Have the cost of doing the job is the labor in and out and back in again. 

If you get a Redhead rebuild or exchange, they custom fit all the ball bearings to take as much slop out as possible as well as completely inspect every last part and replace as needed.

I had the infamous "leak" as well as sloppy steering (didn't know how bad until it was until the Rebuilt unit went in).  Cost for the reman was about $1k including freight back and forth (they handle all of that).  Labor was additional....done a Josam in Orlando...  Also replaced drag link ends as they were a little loose. 

Do it "once....right" and be done with it for your lifetime....  JMHO...
2002 U320
3620 PBDS
Build 5985
2021 Equinox Toad
Motorcade 19006 & all those "other" clubs too!

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #3 –
Quote from: rusczyk56 –
Problem with a field rebuild/reseal on a Sheppard 100 that old is the slop. Cost for the reman was about $1k including freight back and forth (they handle all of that). 

Do it "once....right" and be done with it for your lifetime....  JMHO...

 Well this may be true but in my coach reasealing was a good way to go. If you do have steering issues before I certainly agree. But for me mine steered real good IMO. Please look at the link. The original sector seal are not the correct back up compound. It is certainly a horrible job but. Can be done inframe. I was told by A very respectable forum member that the steering shaft seal does not have the same issue. I DID NOT CHANGE, mine has been perfect since resealing. 20K miles and total miles at about 75K.
 Steering gearbox leak
If it's the left side leaking it is fairly easy to reseal. The side with the pitman arm is not easy and in similar condition. Mark D made some video also

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #4 –
Removed and replaced the seal on the non pitman arm side.  The inner part of the seal was cracked which caused the leak.  I did not have to remove anything to access the plate. No leaks but  I will change the seal on the pitman side before I take any long-extended trips.  Thanks again for the help on this forum.
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #5 –
My U295 has the same leak, from what looks like a very small vent hole on the plate opposite the pitman arm, the only one I can see as I look in from the passenger side access hatch.  If I read the above posts correctly, I get two different part numbers for seal kits; 5545221 or 5545741.  Not sure which one is needed and Christina, at RED HEAD STEERING GEARS, wanted me to confirm my gear box was a M100 PDP1, which I have no way of knowing.
My local shop has no experience with these seal kits and suggested a rebuilt box swap out with a repair quote on $1K to 1.5K.
Danny & Peggy Derrick
1999 U295 - Our Perfect Motorhome ( NO SLIDES )

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #6 –
Danny,  call me before 8 pm central time.  Rudy Legett. 7 one 3. 8 one 8. 3234
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #7 –
This may give you some more information: Sheppard Power Steering M100PDP1  There is a short video on that page that helps you identify which Sheppard unit you have.

Also an alternative to Red Head is Chalks in Houston Chalk's Truck Parts - Mid & Heavy Trucks, Bus Parts - Houston, TX All depends on where you are located.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #8 –
Few of our coaches probably really need a fully rebuilt steering gear.  Don't be afraid to replace the seals and see if that solves your problem for much less expense, no shipping hassles and no down time.  Especially if the leak you have is the outboard side opposite the pitman arm.  That is a particularly easy seal to get to.  I wound up having to do mine twice because after I replaced the sector shaft seals, 6 months later my input shaft seal started leaking.  I wound up removing the entire gear box the second time and (fingers crossed) it's been dry ever since.  No regrets and I've only got about $150 invested in the repair.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #9 –
If the "local shop" can't,won't or does'nt know how to put a seal in and wants to replace the box,I would run like hell and find a
better shop.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Geodmann –
Few of our coaches probably really need a fully rebuilt steering gear.  Don't be afraid to replace the seals and see if that solves your problem for much less expense, no shipping hassles and no down time.  Especially if the leak you have is the outboard side opposite the pitman arm.  That is a particularly easy seal to get to.  I wound up having to do mine twice because after I replaced the sector shaft seals, 6 months later my input shaft seal started leaking.  I wound up removing the entire gear box the second time and (fingers crossed) it's been dry ever since.  No regrets and I've only got about $150 invested in the repair.
I 100% agree. If you don't have steering issues. This is bull work. Pitman arm puller and the seals to do myself was under $200

Re: leaking steering box 1997 U295

Reply #11 –
Quote from: steve –
This may give you some more information: Sheppard Power Steering M100PDP1  There is a short video on that page that helps you identify which Sheppard unit you have.

Also an alternative to Red Head is Chalks in Houston Chalk's Truck Parts - Mid & Heavy Trucks, Bus Parts - Houston, TX All depends on where you are located.
Chalks has done an excellent job for me, and about 10 miles from the house so no freight charges......


Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.