The following pages will assist you in resolving some of the more common problems that occur with steering units.
Hard Steering
Excessive Heat
Noises
Binding or Seizing
Wheel Cuts Restricted
Shimmy
No Wheel Recovery
Oil forced from Reservoir
Play
Darting or Wandering
Always be sure to check the following first:
- Low or uneven tire pressure
- Incorrect front end alignment
- Bent or poorly lubricated front end parts
- Front axle over-loading
- Faulty shocks or springs
- Spools valve sticking or improperly adjusted
The information is provided to assist with the most common steering difficulties. The list of problems is not complete. This information should be used with the original equipment manuals. Always refer to the OEM manuals before performing any maintenance or repair to the steering system.
If you need further technical assistance please call PSS at 1-800-235-3076.
Hard Steering
Loose belts
Faulty power steering pump
Steering out of alignment
Air in the hydraulic system
Components of the steering system binding
Low pump output of leaks in system
Obstruction in the lines
Improper pump application
Low tire pressure
Front axle overloaded
Oversized tires
Control valve malfunction
Internal leakage in the steering gear
Low hydraulic fluid
Restriction in pump flow
Excessive Heat
Excessive pump flow
Air trapped in the system
Vehicle overload/pump too small or large for application
Clogged filter
Hoses and/or fittings too small – kinked – blocked
Poppets not adjusted properly.
Normal Noises
- Hissing noise from the relief valve (when actuation during any steering maneuver)
- Fluid bypassing through the poppets at full turn
- System relief valve noise when required to actuate
- Selected gears make a “growling” noise
Abnormal Noises
- “Squealing” noise from steering pump (if pump is belt drive) may indicate the belts should be checked and tightened or replaced if necessary
- “Clicking” noise made during the turn indicates some components may be loose and shifting under the load of the truck
- Any change in the “normal” noise of the pump may indicate that air has gotten into the system or the fluid is low.
Binding or Seizing:
Worn or frozen universal joints Universal joints not phased properly Insufficient pump flowWheel Cuts
Restricted Steering gear and linkage not centered Bent or damaged linkage Relief valve plungers misadjusted See also Hard SteeringShimmy
Air in the system Front end alignment incorrect Front wheels or brake drum out of balance Badly worn or unevenly worn tires Wheel bearings improperly adjusted or worn Worn U-joints and/or center support Out of balance drive shaft Components of steering system binding or seizingNo Wheel Recovery
Tire pressure low Steering gear improperly adjusted Front end alignment incorrect Insufficient pump flow Relief valve plungers Restricted hoses or clogged filter No positive caster Steering gear mount distorted Dry fifth wheel or trailer plate Steering gear control valve sleeve sticking Bent or misaligned steering gear mounting bracket Components of steering system binding or seizingOil Forced from Reservoir
Clogged oil filter
Loose pump drive belts
Air in system
Faulty supply pump (cavitation)
Relief valve plungers of steering gear not adjusted properly
Operating temperature too high