Contact information:
Straight Line Steering, Inc.
1802 Smith Ave.
San Jose, California 95112
408-289-9850
Fax # 408-995-5942

Straight Line Steering South
2938 Rubidoux
Riverside, California 92509
951-276-9256
Fax # 951-276-9228
slsteering@aol.com mark@straightlinesteering.com

Hours:
8 A.M.- 5 P.M. Pacific, Monday-Friday

Call toll-free in U.S.A. & Canada:
1-800-832-2800


Troubleshooting Guide

 

Normal Noises:

-You or the driver may hear a hissing noise from the control valve when it is actuated during a steering maneuver.
-You or the driver may hear a noise as fluid bypasses through the poppets at full turn.
-You or the driver may hear a noise from the system relief valve when it is required to actuate.
-You or the driver may hear pump growl from some types of power steering pumps


Abnormal Noises:

- If the power steering pump is belt driven, a squealing noise may indicate that the belts should be tightened or replaced.
- A clicking noise heard during a turn, or when changing directions, may indicate that some component is loose and shifting under load.
- A change in the normal noise of the pump may indicate a faulty valve or wear in the pump.
- A change in the normal noise of the pump may be due to kinked or plugged hoses.
- Because of plugged filter there may be a whining from the pump.
- Improper adjustment of gear box will result in abnormal noise from pump.


Drift or Wander:

- Tire pressure incorrect or unequal pressure left side to right side.
- Components in steering linkage loose or worn (steering wheel to road wheel).
- Wheel bearings improperly adjusted or worn.
- Front end alignment out of specification.
- Read end alignment out of specification.
- Dry fifth wheel or poor finish on fifth wheel or trailer plate.
- Steering gear mounting bolts loose on frame.
- Steering gear improperly adjusted or worn out.
- Looseness is rear axle assemblies or trailer bogies.
- Dragging brakes.
- Bent frame.
- Faulty shocks or springs.
- Play in pitman arm.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

No Recovery:                                                                     

- Tire pressure low.
- Front end components binding.
- Front end alignment incorrect.
- Tight front axle king pins.
- Dry fifth wheel or poor finish on fifth wheel or trailer plate.
- Steering column binding.
- Pump flow insufficient.
- Steering gear improperly adjusted.
- Steering gear control valve sleeve sticking.


Oversteering or Darting:

- Dry fifth wheel or poor finish on the fifth wheel or trailer plate.
- Front end components binding or loose.
- Steering column binding.
- Steering gear improperly adjusted.
- Steering gear control valve sleeve sticking.
- Rear axle mounts (rear steer).


High Steering Effort in One Direction:

- Unequal tire pressure.
- Vehicle overload.
- Inadequate hydraulic system pressure.
- Excessive internal leakage in one direction of turn only (of gear box) (verify with internal leakage test).
- Valve misadjusted.


Lost Motion (LASH) at the Steering Wheel:

- Steering wheel loose on the shaft.
- Loose connection between the steering gear, intermediate column, and steering column.
- Steering gear loose on frame.
- Pitman arm loose on output shaft.
- Components in steering linkage loose or worn.
- Steering gear improperly adjusted or defective.

Shimmy:

- Badly worn or unevenly worn tires.
- Improperly mounted tire or wheel.
- Wheel bearing improperly adjusted or worn.
- Components in steering linkage loose or worn.
- Wheels or brake drums out of balance.
- Front end alignment incorrect.
- Air in the hydraulic system.
- Free play in steering gear.


External Oil Leakage:

- Finding the location of leak may be difficult, since oil may run away from leak source, the fittings, hoses, pump, or gear to a low point on the gear or chassis.
- A leak from the vent plug at the side cover indicates failure of the sector shaft oil seal inside the side cover.


High Steering Effort in Both Directions:

- Low tire pressure.
- Vehicle overload.
- Low hydraulic fluid level.
- Incorrect hydraulic fluid.
- Low pressure or flow from pump.
- Components of steering system binding.
- Restriction in return line, or line too small in diameter.
- Excessive internal leakage (verify with internal leakage test).
- Oversize tires (check manufacturer's specifications).
- Loose pump drive belt.
- Front end needs lubrication.
- Improper front end alignment.
- Air in hydraulic system.


Excessive Heat (150°F [65.6°C]):

- Excessive pump flow.
- Vehicle overloaded.
- Undersized replacement hose or line.
- Restricted hose or line that is kinked or severely bent or internally blocked.
- Restricted recentering of gear valve caused by column bind or side load on the input shaft.
- Poppet not adjusted properly (only for gears equipped with poppets).
- Prolonged stationary vehicle operation.