My doctor is on my case so I figured I would replace my power steering fluid on my Breakaway . I believe it's the original fluid. Pictured is the fluid reservoir located in the passenger rear access.

Thinking that I would drain the reservoir, detach the return line, and while pouring clean fluid into the reservoir turn steering wheel to extreme ends until clean fluid appears in the return line. My questions are as follows:
What type of fluid is suggested?
How much fluid should I have on hand?
In the picture is the return line at 6 o'clock or 9 o'clock?

Ted, I used "Vintage" automatic transmission fluid when I changed my power steering fluid in the Gillig Chassis Barth. There is also a filter inside my power steering tank. If there is a filter in your tank it can be crossed over to a Wix number. I have been using Wix filters for 40 years. I also think the larger line is the return line. If you need a picture of the exact product I used, I will post a picture or just send a text to you.

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Just curious, did you scrub that fluid tank with a toothbrush prior to snapping the picture for our members?

The large line is the suction (feed) to the pump. the small line is the return.
My tank had 2 filters stacked.

Kevin, my wife thanks you for recognizing her hard work.
Do you think it would be alright to use the same transmission fluid I use in my Allison tranny, that being Allison TranSynd synthetic fluid?

Steve, so the fluid returns to enter the canister at 6 o'clock, passes upward thru a filter and exits at 9 o'clock?

Ted, I did not use synthetic fluid because of the fear of the steering box developing a leak from the thinner synthetic fluid.

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Please seek Rusty's advice. He KNOWS oil!

quote:

Originally posted by Pgh. Pirate:
Kevin, my wife thanks you for recognizing her hard work.

Fortunately my Bride does not serve dinner on any of the Barth components except the galley table. Does the heat from the power steering fluid help to keep you meals warm?

quote:

Originally posted by Pgh. Pirate:
Kevin, my wife thanks you for recognizing her hard work.
Do you think it would be alright to use the same transmission fluid I use in my Allison tranny, that being Allison TranSynd synthetic fluid?

Steve, so the fluid returns to enter the canister at 6 o'clock, passes upward thru a filter and exits at 9 o'clock?

In at the very bottom. Out at the side.

Just double checked, the pump draws out of the very side thru the big hose. I have the same tank and routing. There is a filter inside. if the fluid hasn't been changed for a long time (as mine wasn't when I got it) it is best to remove the fluid, thru the drain plug next to the bottom line. The fluid level doesn't change much during operation.

I have used Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid for 207,300 miles with no problem with leaking or pump failure. The steering box is a different issue, no one around here knows how to correctly rebuild these things. I had to rebuild mine the day I brought it home. I think I have it good now.

Allison fluid would be good but is very pricey! You will need around 4 quarts to refill the system more if you do a power on flush.

Ok I am convinced diesel stuff is weird for sure!!

Most cars and my 454 have a power steering pump with a reservoir surrounding the pump and the fill is right on top. Now in my case there is also a remote reservoir fill tank for extra fluid going to the pump. I guess because the power steering pump also runs the power brakes. The remote feed is a 1 inch line. There is no filter anywhere in the system, and the return lines for steering and brakes return to the pump not the remote tank. I have seen pumps without the surrounding reservoir tank but never knew the plumping.

It is curious to me why diesel is different.

Most gassers are pullers and most diesels are pushers. We pushers have 30'or more of hydraulic lines to get to the power steering boxes. Our hydraulic pumps only have to supply the steering system not the braking system

Thanks ED, never occurred to me the fluid had to travel from the rear engine to the steering column and return.

Here is what I used in the power steering of my Gillig. It has been in there five years now. I only have one filer in my tank. It also powers the hydraulic fan in my Barth.

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quote:

Originally posted by MWrench:
Most gassers are pullers and most diesels are pushers. We pushers have 30'or more of hydraulic lines to get to the power steering boxes. Our hydraulic pumps only have to supply the steering system not the braking system

Only if the coach doesn't sport the wretched Hydroboost system.

Anyway, the oil specs for power steering system are not very critical. Antifoam, antiscuff, and antioxidants fill the bill. ATF has unnecessary additives, none of which will hurt.

On the Gillig Chassis that reservoir feeds the hydraulic pump that is not just power steering. It also powers the hydraulic fan motor for the cooling fan. It has nothing to do with brakes if you have air brakes. When you throw a belt to the hydraulic pump you lose assisted steering, cooling but not air brakes. The transmission is separate from that system and Transynd is highly recommended for that. There are spin on transmission filters that are separate as well. This is the system setup for the Cat Allison pair on the Gillig chassis.

Thank you all for your responses. I've been busy with other pressing matters so have not been able to participate in this discussion. Now 646 emails - ugh. I'm old enough to remember when life was simple.