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kiloo9's avatar
kiloo9
Explorer
May 04, 2013

Power steering on workhorse chassi

04 HR vacationer, Workhorse chassi 8.1 gas. Power steering pump has a groan/whining sound when engine running, sound very noticeable and it gets louder when turning steering wheel either way on increasing rpm. The power steering pump was diagnosed as going out and need replaced. Pump, serpentine belt, and belt idler were replaced, system was flushed and new fluid replaced. The sound still persist no improvement. All rotating equipment on the serpentine belt loop do not seam to affect the condition. Coach still in shop, last I heard, they were trying to contact Workhorse for tech support. Any body has had some experience this condition, would appreciate advice. Thanks!
Class A
  • Lobstah's avatar
    Lobstah
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    One of the things I hate about vehicle repair is that if they misdiagnose something, and replace a variety of parts, and it doesn't fix the problem, they have no accountability for that, even though their mistake may have cost thousands of dollars.

    Did they take a sound probe and figure out where the noise is coming from? It's a pretty simple piece of equipment, and should at least narrow down the area that the sound is originating from.

    Good luck,
    Jim
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    May 04, 2013
    Lobstah wrote:
    One of the things I hate about vehicle repair is that if they misdiagnose something, and replace a variety of parts, and it doesn't fix the problem, they have no accountability for that, even though their mistake may have cost thousands of dollars.

    Did they take a sound probe and figure out where the noise is coming from? It's a pretty simple piece of equipment, and should at least narrow down the area that the sound is originating from.

    Good luck,
    Jim


    X2 A sound probe is nothing but stethoscope with a rod on the end and it can tell if there is a bearing, or whatever, making the noise. I believe on your coach you have TWO idler pulleys that could have bearings going bad. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and should have been eliminated before they replaced any other part. One idler pulley is at the top of your belt run and the other is the moveable pulley near the bottom that is used to change the serpentine belt.
  • donhoward49's avatar
    donhoward49
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    Mine was loud, louder when I turned the wheel.. On another forum the guys said to use Lucas Power Steering Conditioner.. I sucked out some fluid with a turkey baster, refilled it and it is quiet now. It did seam to be a Workhorse problem, So that might work even on a new pump.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    Hope the power steering fluid was changed. Many times that is all that's needed to quiet the whine while turning the steering wheel.
  • topflite51's avatar
    topflite51
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    I don't know if the system is the same, but on a C5500 Chevy truck chassis there is a filter in the power steering system that does need to be changed. Sometimes the simple things can get overlooked. If it plugs up, it can cause a whine.
  • tomousecap's avatar
    tomousecap
    Explorer
    May 04, 2013
    I have had two W22 chassis and they both whined as you describe. Workhorse told me that it is characteristic of the pump design. I have never had any malfunction except the annoying whine. I just ignore it.... :R
  • Jarlaxle's avatar
    Jarlaxle
    Explorer II
    May 04, 2013
    I have had many PS pumps work perfectly for years, groaning and whining the whole time. On a MH (especially one with hydroboost brakes!), I would probably add a PS cooler if it doesn't have one, and just live with it. For that matter, the pump in my Genasis has been groaning on low-speed turns since I got it.

    I knew I preferred manual steering for a reason! :D

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