Power Steering Not Working - 310 Motorhome

[steveturk]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I'll get at this again as soon as the weather breaks. There are some inside fixes that can be done until it warms up a little. One great thing about owning a classic Airstream is you never get bored...there's always something that needs attention.
Steve

[Keyair]

Originally Posted by steveturk

One great thing about owning a classic Airstream is you never get bored...there's always something that needs attention.
Steve

Really?
Thats the quote of the Day!

[1987_345]

Gets me thinking...Hmmm. Perhaps I should check the level in the reservior before it starts sucking air. Turns out its a little low. Can you tell me what type of fluid this system takes?

[steveturk]

I believe it calls for GM Power Steering Fluid. The fluid level on the power steering reservoir dipstick shows that it's right where it should be. Also checked brake fluid in master cyl. and it's ok. Belt seems a little loose but not slipping - I'll adjust it and see if it helps. Steering wheel is very hard to turn when shifted into park with engine running. Seems to be somewhat easier to turn when shifted into drive for some reason.

[Keyair]

Interested to find what it is Steve!
Mine seems to work fine, but the growing puddle of PS fluid under my 345 and the dropping Reservior level indicates I have a problem!

[fangthorpe]

Originally Posted by steveturk

I believe it calls for GM Power Steering Fluid. The fluid level on the power steering reservoir dipstick shows that it's right where it should be. Also checked brake fluid in master cyl. and it's ok. Belt seems a little loose but not slipping - I'll adjust it and see if it helps. Steering wheel is very hard to turn when shifted into park with engine running. Seems to be somewhat easier to turn when shifted into drive for some reason.

Pay attention here! You have air in the emergency brake can. When you shift into park, the valve opens that pumps fluid to the emergency brake, lowers the level in the reservoir, and sucks air. When you shift into gear, the valve releases the E brake and that fluid comes back into the system and gives you a little more pressure.

Get under there and get rid of the air in the can so you can fill the system and bleed it, engine off.

Not gonna tell you a 3rd time. Hmph!

[steveturk]

I'm going to follow the steps you sent previously as soon as I can...along with checking the belt tension. It's the first thing on my Airstream priority list. The winter has made it a little difficult for the outside stuff and am trying to get some of these fixes done after work. Gets dark before I can get there. It looks like I'll have more time soon and the days are getting longer. Will post how it goes ASAP.

[fangthorpe]

Mine sat for almost a year before I got it sorted. I tried everything. Even the Chevy dealer. I just don't want to see you spend money on parts you don't need or get all bummed out about your rig when it only needs 30 mins of work and some fluid to be fine. Good luck.