Power Steering

[Jerry Emert]

As y'all know I'm a little slow, so sorry, but...my power steering has been acting like it is low on fluid for a few months now.  We have talked about this in the past and I have tried some of the suggestions.  I understand that the fluid used is the same as the hydraulic cooling fan.  I make sure it is topped off and I changed the hydraulic filter after only a year just to be sure.  The problem is only at slow speed maneuvering such as turning off highway into a CG or side road.  I have tried turning Jake on and off while slow speed maneuvering as someone suggested with no difference.  It was not this way when I bought the coach, I would have noticed.  I don't even know where the power steering pump is.  I guess it is connected to the engine somewhere.  So my question is, do I just buy a new one and install it (if I can find where it is?) Or is there something else I should look at or do?  It has Amsoil ATF in it now.  The problem did not start until the Amsoil was in for well over a year so probably not the issue.  Any thoughts, I sure don't want it to fail going down the road somewhere.  Thanks in advance as always.  Back on the road for 2 months next week.
Jerry

[Joel Ashley]

The exhaust brake influence I believe is causal only on coaches with PacBrakes, Jerry - not Jake Brakes (compression).  So if you have a Jake rather than a PacBrake in the exhaust, turning it off would have little or no effect on the steering.  When I turn off my PacBrake (built by Jacob's, Inc.), it does indeed prevent the steering wheel jerking at low speed, and the mild twinges at higher RPMs.  But I'm sorry it probably isn't a simple explanation for your current issue. 

Those are my only proffered thoughts, and hopefully others here more familiar with your mechanical configuration can offer more.

-Joel

[Steve Huber]

Jerry,
I've got a Jake brake and have same problem on my 07. It's very random and only at slow speed. Hydraulic reservoir is full. Definitely occurs when Jake is on. Not sure if it happens when off as I have normally been leaving Jake on in traffic. Will check out on next trip.
Steve

[Keith Moffett Co-Admin]

Jerry
The power steering pump is a PTO on the lower passanger side of the engine if I got it right.

On our C 12 the Jake disengages when we slow to about 10 mph.  I guess its hard on them to have them engaged to a full stop.

[Jerry Emert]

Is it a CAT part that I can get within a day anywhere or some special order, wait for three month, kinda part?

[Keith Moffett Co-Admin]

I should have said that if the jake cuts out at low speed then I domt see that being part of a low speed power steering problem.
A good shop for this one I think so you dont end up throwing parts at it unnecessarily.

Just my 2 cents