Power Steering Problem

Advice Needed

 
 
 
 
 
johnnymac
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Subject:

Power Steering Problem

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2023  ·  #1
Last Saturday I was reversing my motorhome into the driveway at home I had the steering locked over hard, left hand down. All of a sudden there was a loud screeching noise and the steering got really stiff. I noticed a pool of fluid on the road. When I checked it the power steering reservoir was almost empty. I started up again and reversed the few feet more into the driveway I then noticed the power steering fluid was pooling on the ground around 4 or 5 inches away from the inside centre of the drivers side front wheel, It's a RHD.

I can't make out where the leak is coming from as I'm getting on in years and can't crawl underneath to look. Does anyone have any idea what could have gone. Does it sound like the pump or a hose? Also does anyone know of a good mechanic that might come out to me and repair it. I'm in the West Limerick-North Kerry area. It's a 2005 Fiat Ducato 2.8 JTD. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.
eirebus
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Re: Power Steering Problem

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2023  ·  #2
It's probably the hose, check your insurance, they may tow you to the nearest competent repairer,Cara motorhomes in Newcastle West could do it too but any mechanic will be able to fix it, you may even be able to drive it somewhere yourself,I'm not sure on that though
johnnymac
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Re: Power Steering Problem

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2023  ·  #3
Quote by eirebus

It's probably the hose, check your insurance, they may tow you to the nearest competent repairer,Cara motorhomes in Newcastle West could do it too but any mechanic will be able to fix it, you may even be able to drive it somewhere yourself,I'm not sure on that though


Thanks Eirebus,
I phoned Cara on Saturday when it happened but they are booked out solid for the next few weeks. I'm not sure if I would do more damage by driving it somewhere maybe someone knowledgeable could advise on that.
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JJF
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Re: Power Steering Problem

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2023  ·  #4
It'll likely be the high pressure pipe where it goes into the rack. They're steel, they rust and inevitably let go. They're running in excess of 20 bar so will pump out the fluid quickly. It won't harm to drive it a short distance but the pump will be empty (although lubricated).
Replacement pipes are available on line (assuming that's the issue) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224…BM0vC5tO1h
I've replaced mine as they were showing signs of corrosion. Common fault.
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johnnymac
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Location: West Co. Limerick
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Base Vehicle: Fiat Ducato 2.8
Subject:

Re: Power Steering Problem

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2023  ·  #5
Quote by JJF

It'll likely be the high pressure pipe where it goes into the rack. They're steel, they rust and inevitably let go. They're running in excess of 20 bar so will pump out the fluid quickly. It won't harm to drive it a short distance but the pump will be empty (although lubricated).
Replacement pipes are available on line (assuming that's the issue) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224…BM0vC5tO1h
I've replaced mine as they were showing signs of corrosion. Common fault.


Thanks JJF,
When yours went did it make a screeching noise? I'm hoping that I can find someone to come out and do it for me. It sounds a bit more promising now.
Thanks again.
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JJF
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Re: Power Steering Problem

 ·  Posted: 10.04.2023  ·  #6
Quote by johnnymac


Thanks JJF,
When yours went did it make a screeching noise? I'm hoping that I can find someone to come out and do it for me. It sounds a bit more promising now.
Thanks again.


My one never actually failed, I replaced them as a precautionary measure.
Yes, the pump will squeal when empty of fluid, steering very heavy and a gurgling noise too.
Liked by: johnnymac, sprinter
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