Maintenance And Inspection; Leakage Check - Fleetwood Bounder 1987 Owner's Manual

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Maintenance and Inspection
Complaints of faulty steering are frequently the
result of problems other than the steering gear or
pump. Those areas of the steering system which can
be easily checked and quickly corrected without
disassembly and overhaul of any major components
should be attempted first.
Conditions such as hard or loose steering, road
shock or vibrations are not always due to the steer-
ing gear or pump, but are often related instead to such
factors as low tire pressure and front end alignment,
Check and correct these factors before adjustment
or disassembly of the power steering gear or pump,
Many factors affect operation of the steering
system. The most common are:
1. Fluid level and condition.
2. Drive belt tension,
3. Loose component mountings.
4. Loose pump pulley,
Check and correct these factors before making any
further diagnosis of the steering system.
After the source of the problem has been found,
determine the cause. For example, if the oil level in
the reservoir is found to be low, refill and check the
STEERING
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. The purposes of this se<;tion is to acquaint you with
the types of leakage which can be repaired very'easi-
Iy. It contains information Onieservoir oil level, the
'hoses and the hose connections., .
'An overfilled', pump' 'reservoir can be cause for
leakage complaint. The oil in the steering system ex-
pands during normal use. If the pump reservoir is over-
filled, the excess is forced through the breather cap.
hole and may be sprayed over the imgine by air blast.
Operate the engine and steering system until normal
operating temperature'is obtained. Remove the reser-
entire hydraulic system for oil leaks. Refilling the reser-
voir will not necessarily correct the problem.
Leakage Check
If you suspect leakage in the power steering system,
follow the guidelines listed below, In some cases you
will be able to locate the leak easily, but seepage leaks
may be more difficult,
A. With the vehicle's engine off, wipe the complete
power steering system dry (gear, pump, hoses
and connections).
B. Check oil level in pump's reservoir and adjust
as required.
C. Start engine and turn steering wheel from stop
to stop several times. Do not hold in corner for
any length of time as this can damage the
power steering pump. It is easier if someone
operates the steering wheel while you search
for the seepage.
D. Find the exact area of leakage. Potential leak
points are shown.
Some leaks can be corrected easily (see Quick
Fixes). Refer more extensive leaks to a qualified ser-
vice center for repair.
tvoln:ap and"checkthele'vel on the dipstick';"Adjust
the oil level as required.
61
If,
elth!!' ;_~/1Il,:r,e~,yr'ph~se or pre~sure hose ,Ie~ks,
replace tHe h o s e , . .
After the source of a hiak has been found and cor-
rected, refill the system with Power Steering Fluid.
Avoid the use of automatic transmission ·fluid in the
power steering system since it dO.es not contain the
additil(ell
ru~ces.sary
for good seal life. In an emergency
situation, automatic transmission fluid can be used
to "get home". However, replace it wit\1 power steer-
ing fluid as soon as is practical.