Removing the Power Steering Gearbox, 78 FC33; 3208

[Tom Warner]

Danny:

1. Dont turn the wheels when the coach is stationary.it puts to high
a load on the power steering pump and steering box. Only turn the
steering wheel when you start moving.

2. make sure you keep the power steering reservoir filled to the
proper level with no air pockets in it.

3. ALWAYS and I repeat ALWAYS ensure that you have the proper V belt
on the power steering pump.

4. ALWAYS tighten the V belt on the power steering pump to the
proper belt tension. Tighten it to much and you wear out the
bearings and cause leaks. Tighten it not enough and you risk the belt
slipping wearing them out fast and lots of squealing.

In my opinion (this is what I have always done) buy a Kriket from
NAPA or any other automotive store that carries them and use it to
properly tension each belt on the engine including the power steering
belt. Its the best money you could spend for the peace of mind
knowing that you have done it right. Also buy a manual belt
tightener so you can properly tighten the pullys and get the right V
belt tension.

tom warner
Vernon Center,NY
1985 PT 40


At 12:49 PM 6/15/2006, you wrote:

>Thanks Tom. Admittedly, inexperience is playing a role here. But;
>
>On gravel, not rolling, high effort and belt noise. More when
>turning left.
>
>Steering returns easily to center when driving, suggesting
>suspension is free of binding.
>
>Bleeding procedure repeated several times (started engine,
>immediately turn wheel slightly each direction)
>
>New pump 1yr ago. Same pump rebuilt and tested 10 days ago.
>
>Blunder: On the eve of purchase (three weeks ago) it made the noise.
>I tightened the PS belt. Seller was at the wheel, bird on cement,
>static - he turned lock to lock no noise - perfect! Then the seller
>kept turning back and forth quickly (3 cycles) - before I could get
>him to stop, it began making noise again. I checked fluid; canister
>was extremely hot, with less than a half an inch of fluid in the
>bottom of the reservior.
>
>I am thinking box seal(s) overheated and failed, as warned about in
>the TRW manual. I hope I'm wrong!
>
>Thanks
>
>Danny
>FC33 1978
>San Jose, CA
>
>(I am interested in the specs you mentioned "off forum". I can be
>reached at 1-800-231-6861. Thanks)
>
>--- In
>WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
>Tom Warner
>wrote:
> >
> > When I see a comment like this Danny I wonder what is motivating
>the
> > person to even want to remove the gearbox? Have you, or a
> > professional that understands completely the front suspension of
>the
> > Bluebird carefully inspected the suspension and made absolutely
>sure
> > that the gearbox is even part of the problem? You can end up
>causing
> > more problems then you resolve if you do not know how to properly
> > troubleshoot possible defects in the bluebird.
> >
> > Do you have the manufacturers technical information on the front
> > suspension including the gearbox? If you dont I have it to share
>with
> > you off forum/
> >
> > Tom Warner
> > Vernon Center,NY
> > 1985 PT 40
> >
> >
> >
> > At 01:24 AM 6/15/2006, you wrote:
> >
> > >Has anyone out there been brave enough to R&R the PS gearbox? If
>so,
> > >I'd like to hear the removal procedure / sequence.
> > >
> > >Thanks,
> > >
> > >Danny
> > >FC33 1978
> > >San Jose, CA
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>