BAB Steering would like to take this opportunity to thank TRUCK PARTS & SERVICE Magazine and  Jessie Klocek  Erickson for their excellent work on compiling the information they received from TRW Automotive and BAB Steering Hydraulics, Inc. for their article on “Diagnosing Steering Complaints”.

 

The following is an excerpt from the article. To obtain the complete article contact TP & S at www.truckpartsandservice.com or e-mail BAB Steering at publications@babsteering.com.

 

Most technicians (over 90%) do not know what causes the majority of steering gears to leak from either the input or sector shaft seal area. The primary cause of seal leakage is due to the implosion of the air bubbles that have entered into the system usually due to defective power steering hoses.

 

The first hose in the steering system to leak is the suction hose which is a vacuum hose. When the hose get old it loses its wall thickness becomes loose on the barb and it ingest air into the system. When the air bubbles implode the implosion is so violent that it removes the hard chrome surface from the input or sector shaft. See arrows in pictures below. This is the metal flake that is running around in the steering system, the same system in which we haven’t changed the filter in how long?

Fluid Flow

All hydraulics systems, including steering, work on GPM, gallons per minute. The job of the power steering pump is to provide the steering system with the correct gallons per minute. Depending on the complaint a technician may need to know the fluid flow or GPM being provided by the power steering pump.

 

There are three manufactures of a Power Steering System Analyzer, better know as a TEST LOOP, Ross/TRW, OTC and BAB Steering Hydraulics. The TEST LOOP pictured above was pictured in an article Titled: Diagnosing Steering Complaints in the March issue of Truck Parts and Service Magazine.

 

Only the BAB TEST LOOP has extra safety features such a double check valve and a relief valve which protect the gauges and the technician respectively. BAB also puts a male fitting on one end of the hose and a female fitting on the other end to aid in the correct installation. To purchase a TEST LOOP contact any BAB distributor or call the BAB Order Desk at 800-783-5222.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diagnosing Steering Complaints

                  Service Bay

By Jessie Klocek  Erickson

MARCH 2004