Eric Hysteric wrote:
We have a problem with the steering. In the position "straight on" when you move left or right the first distance it seems like the power steering pump wouldn't work, when you move the steering wheel more, everything is ok.
What could be cause for this problem? Power steering pump out of order, old or wrong fluid in the s´power steering pump? I think it's not normal
What does the steering do with the engine off? Do you have any evidence of power steering leaks?
Some play in the steering wheel is normal. How much play becomes the question. I've driven some vehicles that are very responsive to the steering wheel and some with a lot of free play.
In my experience, the power steering pressure hose is the most common point of failure. Age and extreme temperatures tend to contribute most to that problem. Here, in interior Alaska, most people have to replace to replace OEM-grade pressure hoses every two to four years, due severely subzero temperatures. Most knowledgeable people have hoses custom made, using arctic grade rubber hose.
In the last several decades, manufacturers have downgrade the temperature range formulation of their fluids. There are additives but aviation hydraulic fluid costs less and works as well or better. At least a pint in the power steering reservoir and more is better. (A few people I know exclusively use aviation hydraulic fluid instead of any power steering fluid.)
Newer vehicles are notorious for power steering pump failure due to 'modern' power steering and extreme temperatures. The addition of aviation hydraulic seems to prevent premature failure.
However, I've never had any problems with older power steering systems, even with routine operation in -50 degrees F. So, I think it's unlikely the power steering pump is a problem for you. (The steering gets very difficult when the pump starts failing.)
Old power steering fluid could be a problem. It's possible the fluid in your motorhome has never been changed. So, Google "flushing power steering." It's not difficult, mostly tedious, messy, and requires one or more helpers.
Now for the bad news.
Excessive steering free play is almost always due to the steering gear box. I emphasis 'excessive' because, as I've said, some free play is normal.
The worse possible scenario is a previous owner attempted to adjust the steering gear box. This is
never, ever a good idea. This is one place where ignorance is invariably disastrous.
(There a lock nut and slotted adjustment screw on the gearbox and Some. People. Can't. Leave, It. Alone!)
I rebuild automatic transmissions ... but I will NOT touch a steering gear box. For me, new or rebuilt replacement is the only option.
Free play on most of my old Dodge motorhomes, and other vehicles, is 10-15 degrees either way ... 20-30 degrees total -- which is 1/18th to 1/12th of a full turn of the steering wheel. (Too little free play makes it difficult to drive large trucks ... been there, done that.)
I assume your motorhome doesn't wander ... tends to go where you aim it. If not, the problem is invariably somewhere other than the power steering.
