Howdy all - The old girl lost all her power steering. I've been noticing it getting harder and harder to turn the wheels over the last couple of weeks, and now today I've got nothing. Can hardly turn the wheels an inch. I opened the reservoir and the fluid was extremely foamy, and was shooting up and out because the return fluid wasn't being forced through the internal filter like it's supposed to because the cover over the filter was spun to one side. When I shut the engine off the fluid started to overflow the reservoir in a big foamy mess. It appeared to be ATF, and I think 10W-40 is called for. (Is this correct?) I put the filter cover back where it belongs, drained the fluid as best I could, and refilled with 10W40. No joy. The pump is a Vickers - not sure yet what model - and the steering gear is a Sheppard 592. Question: Which has probably failed - the pump, or the steering gear? I'm guessing that the pump would go more often; hope so. Fleetpride wants about $350 for a new (or maybe it's a rebuilt) pump. Just wanted to get some input from someone who's been there. (I do have a gauge and fittings to test the pressure that the pump is putting out, but asking you guys doesn't get my hands as dirty). Thanks, John D. *** Edit 3/24/09 Tested the pump - 0 PSI. Ordered rebuilt Vickers VTM42604520 through C & C Hydraulics in Terryville, CT; 276.80 + $40 for next-day shipping. She'll be rolling again Thursday morning. Still would like to get opinions on using 10W40 in steering. Thanks.
Howdy all - The old girl lost all her power steering. I've been noticing it getting harder and harder to turn the wheels over the last couple of weeks, and now today I've got nothing. Can hardly turn the wheels an inch. I opened the reservoir and the fluid was extremely foamy, and was shooting up and out because the return fluid wasn't being forced through the internal filter like it's supposed to because the cover over the filter was spun to one side. When I shut the engine off the fluid started to overflow the reservoir in a big foamy mess. It appeared to be ATF, and I think 10W-40 is called for. (Is this correct?) I put the filter cover back where it belongs, drained the fluid as best I could, and refilled with 10W40. No joy. The pump is a Vickers - not sure yet what model - and the steering gear is a Sheppard 592. Question: Which has probably failed - the pump, or the steering gear? I'm guessing that the pump would go more often; hope so. Fleetpride wants about $350 for a new (or maybe it's a rebuilt) pump. Just wanted to get some input from someone who's been there. (I do have a gauge and fittings to test the pressure that the pump is putting out, but asking you guys doesn't get my hands as dirty). Thanks, John D. *** Edit 3/24/09 Tested the pump - 0 PSI. Ordered rebuilt Vickers VTM42604520 through C & C Hydraulics in Terryville, CT; 276.80 + $40 for next-day shipping. She'll be rolling again Thursday morning. Still would like to get opinions on using 10W40 in steering. Thanks.