Steering wheel freezes up during backing. Freightliner

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Vito, Nov 25, 2014.

  1. Vito

    Vito Heavy Load Member

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    So I just got into a 2015 automatic Cascadia Evolution about 6 weeks ago. The steering wheel freezes up, becomes almost impossible to turn, while backing. Seems to be worse when loaded, less worse when empty, and the steering column just "groans" when bobtailed but wheel doesn't seem to freeze.

    If I'm rolling back (in reverse with foot on accelerator) when trying to turn the wheel, it seems to be OK/better, but I still hear the groaning. No other issues with steering at all.
    .
    I'm wondering WTF this is about? Any ideas? I drove a Kenworth auto for a while that used to have this problem if you took too long to back and another driver said it was because the fluid was overheating. I'm thinking this is a problem with auto shifters.

    It looked like the fluid level was high so I drained some. Now it's midway between cold and hot, so the level is good. This didn't fix the problem.

    Only got 130K on it. Wondering if my company's shop can fix it or if this is a dealer fix.
     
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  3. crzyjarmans

    crzyjarmans Road Train Member

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    Power steering box
     
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  4. stabob

    stabob Heavy Load Member

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    Anyone remember when you got a new truck you didn't have to worry about being in the shop?
     
  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    I'd definitely get it back to the dealer. Something with the pump maybe, or the box. Either way, it's not going to get any better at -10 degrees.
     
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  6. double yellow

    double yellow Road Train Member

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    Try not to turn the steering wheel when stopped. Sometimes it can't be avoided, but know that you're scrubbing rubber off onto the ground every time...
     
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  7. Vito

    Vito Heavy Load Member

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    Yeah, good point. How true. But you should see what I do to my tandems when jacking them with 45K in the box. Ha ha. If I were an O/O I'm pretty sure I'd be more concerned. :biggrin_25520:
     
  8. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    I have a 2013 Cascadia (non Evo) that groans pretty bad when the Engine/Power Steering pump is cold.
    Gets better when it's warm but still does it.
     
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  9. simon999

    simon999 Light Load Member

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    When I had columbia, my steering wheel freezed also while backing it helped if push accelerator and turn wheel in same time. The problem was gone when steering pump replaced.
     
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  10. GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    Sounds like the steering box might have air in it, like it wasn't properly bled at the factory. If you cut the wheel all the way to left, shut it off and pull the bleed plug, you should get fluid out right away. if there is a delay, it's there's air in it.

    But being a brand new truck, they need to check this out and fix it.
     
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  11. Vito

    Vito Heavy Load Member

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    Great insight, thanks.
     
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