Big Rig Basics
32 TrucKers News December 2009 Steering Right Power steering is a safety system just like your brakes and tires, so proper maintenance is important Big rig Basics JohN BaxTer 1 Grease all the mechanical parts of the front suspension and steering system at least every 15,000 miles to keep parts like kingpins from binding. This may require putting the front axle on secure jack stands to take the weight off the wheels check your owner's manual. Hard steering is commonly a result of neglect there, not trouble with the power steering. Basic Maintenance Bill Litosky, the service manager at Bergey's Mack and Volvo of Franconia, Pa., provided detailed information about how to maintain and troubleshoot the power-steering system. 2 In your pre- or post-trip inspection, check the fluid level. Refill with the fluid recommended on the reservoir, normally Dexron II or Dexron III transmission fluid. Wipe the dipstick cover off, pull the dipstick out and put in fluid until it reaches the upper line. On most reservoirs, there is a filler cap that is larger than the dipstick cover that you remove to pour in the fluid. On some, the filler cap and dipstick are combined. 3 Also inspect all places along the high-pressure supply hoses and low-pressure return hoses, and at their connections, for leaks or corrosion. (High-pressure hoses have SAE screw-on type connectors or quick connectors, while low-pressure hoses have hose clamps.) Make sure the hoses are not rubbing anywhere and that protective coverings are intact. Most Class 8 trucks now have steering pumps driven by the geartrain on the engine. But some medium-duty trucks still use belt-driven pumps. If necessary, check the belt to make sure it is tensioned properly and is not frayed or glazed smooth by slippage. Have hoses, corroded connections or belts replaced as necessary.