Freightliner power steering problems

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Halfpint504, Jul 14, 2017.

  1. Halfpint504

    Halfpint504 Bobtail Member

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    I have a '13 Cascadia and 3 days ago I was unable to turn my steering wheel to the left while stopped. I was able to turn to the right at a stop and also able to turn left or right while moving. Started with the easiest first, replaced p.s. filter and drained system and cleaned reservoir. Had truck jacked up to have front end parts checked which resulted in no problems found. Then replaced all 3 hoses thinking maybe there was a restriction, then removed the steering box and took it to a company that test and rebuild. They tested and said it was working as it should. Told me I would be wasting money rebuilding since it passed their test. They felt strongly that the pump was the problem. Purchased a pump the next day from Freightliner had it put on. Test drove and still the same problem. Cannot turn left at a stop but can turn right. I have to be able to turn before I start moving as I back into some yards that are a very tight squeeze and I have very small amounts of pull up room therfore I need to be able to turn before I begin moving.
    Please help!! Any suggestions appreciated. I'm out over $900 with a problem that no one seems to be able to resolve.
     
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  3. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Did this shop take the pressure line and put a gauge on it to see what the pressure was on a right turn and then a left turn?

    AND while i am thinking about it, what did they do to test the pump? There is only a couple things that can be done, one is the above pressure test under a load and the other is a flow test which I doubt they are able to do.
     
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  4. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    Only thing left is the box.
     
    KB3MMX and Halfpint504 Thank this.
  5. TAfool

    TAfool Medium Load Member

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    Hard to turn both ways is normally a bad pump. Hard to turn only one way is a bad steering box.

    TA
     
  6. Halfpint504

    Halfpint504 Bobtail Member

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  7. Halfpint504

    Halfpint504 Bobtail Member

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    I was told that they connected a p.s. pump to the box and and sent pressure to determine whether or not the piston inside the box was properly moving upward and downward. And they confirmed that it was.
     
  8. Fast Track Mechanic

    Fast Track Mechanic Bobtail Member

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    May 16, 2017
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    With both wheels jacked up off the ground and the steering box disconnected can you move the wheels as freely left hand lock to right hand lock? Could be steering joint, kingpin
     
  9. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If everything has been replaced in the PS system and assuming you checked ALL steering linkages (including steering column) my guess is there is an issue in the box. I seem to recall that when the valve attached to the input shaft takes a crap you can lose assist in one direction. Only way to verify is to pressure and flow test the system.
     
    25(2)+2 and Halfpint504 Thank this.
  10. Halfpint504

    Halfpint504 Bobtail Member

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  11. Halfpint504

    Halfpint504 Bobtail Member

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