Power Steering issues

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Etex Driver, May 8, 2021.

  1. Etex Driver

    Etex Driver Bobtail Member

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    Have a 2013 cascadia having problems as my day progresses with turning. Early in the day it's fine but as day goes on it gets harder to turn if I let off accelerator.Any ideas as to what could be the cause?
     
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  2. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Have you examined the fluid?
    If it's turning black. It's a sign of seals detonating. Could also be time to do a simple change. If it's old fluid.

    Maybe it's low.
     
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  3. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    Been dealing with that issue myself.

    Did the fluid flush first.

    truck used to use power steering fluid but the company boss’s son cheaped out and said that hydraulic oil is the same for less money.

    Been getting worse power steering operation since then.

    Oil was getting hot and smelling burnt.

    When I drained the oil out, it was practically like water. Pouring out quickly.

    Now I’ve flushed the system out and put in engine oil.

    The engine oil did better but not 100%.

    So we are looking at replacing either the pump or steering box.
     
  4. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Atf is the way to go.
     
  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Need to change filter in reservoir if equipped.
     
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  6. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Mine was getting whiny, steering fluid was seeping out onto top of reservoir.
    I changed the fluid, the filter and the o-rings on both caps.
    Works good now, and no leaks.
     
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  7. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Classic symptoms of a bad pump.
     
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Yep, people think it isn't the pump but most times it is.
    I would not work for a cheap company like that, let alone one with a moronic owner who thinks it is the same, it isn’t.
     
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  9. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    I’ll be using ATF once the pump has been changed.
     
  10. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Check oil level first. If the level is ok. Then you most likely need a pump or steering box. FYI always use engine oil for power steering. Reason being is, if the seal goes you do not want power steering fluid going in to your engine oil.
     
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