Loose Power Steering @ Low Speed - Ideas???

[Alfred622]

We have a 2005 Winnebago Sightseer on a P32 Workhorse Chassis, almost 3,000 miles on it. Yesterday, I started her up and backed down the driveway only to discover I had no power steering assist in turning. That wheel was hard to turn! This was totally new behavior (never had the problem before).
However, as soon as the engine RPMs increased (and my forward speed increased), the power assist was restored and all worked like normal. We dove all the way to a campground (100 miles) with no problem. However, when backing into the site - low speed & low RMS - the loss of power assist happened again. I found by increasing RPMs - with foot on the brake - steering seemed to be restored).

I checked power steering fluid the next morning (so it was cold). It was mid-way between Add and Full. No dripping of fluids anywhere.

The next day, I started up the engine and had no power assist. When I started moving, the power assist came back. I had power assist when rolling down a slight hill even though the engine was at idle. Whole trip home was fine. But as soon as I slowed down to pull into my driveway, no power assist.

I can't figure this one out. Since the buggy is under warranty, I could take this to a Workhorse dealer - but they are 90 miles away from here.

Might you have any ideas of what I could check next? Has this ever happened to you?

[Alfred622]

We have a 2005 Winnebago Sightseer on a P32 Workhorse Chassis, almost 3,000 miles on it. Yesterday, I started her up and backed down the driveway only to discover I had no power steering assist in turning. That wheel was hard to turn! This was totally new behavior (never had the problem before).
However, as soon as the engine RPMs increased (and my forward speed increased), the power assist was restored and all worked like normal. We dove all the way to a campground (100 miles) with no problem. However, when backing into the site - low speed & low RMS - the loss of power assist happened again. I found by increasing RPMs - with foot on the brake - steering seemed to be restored).

I checked power steering fluid the next morning (so it was cold). It was mid-way between Add and Full. No dripping of fluids anywhere.

The next day, I started up the engine and had no power assist. When I started moving, the power assist came back. I had power assist when rolling down a slight hill even though the engine was at idle. Whole trip home was fine. But as soon as I slowed down to pull into my driveway, no power assist.

I can't figure this one out. Since the buggy is under warranty, I could take this to a Workhorse dealer - but they are 90 miles away from here.

Might you have any ideas of what I could check next? Has this ever happened to you?

[Alan554]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alfred622:
We have a 2005 Winnebago Sightseer on a P32 Workhorse Chassis, almost 3,000 miles on it. Yesterday, I started her up and backed down the driveway only to discover I had no power steering assist in turning. That wheel was hard to turn! This was totally new behavior (never had the problem before).
However, as soon as the engine RPMs increased (and my forward speed increased), the power assist was restored and all worked like normal. We dove all the way to a campground (100 miles) with no problem. However, when backing into the site - low speed & low RMS - the loss of power assist happened again. I found by increasing RPMs - with foot on the brake - steering seemed to be restored).

I checked power steering fluid the next morning (so it was cold). It was mid-way between Add and Full. No dripping of fluids anywhere.

The next day, I started up the engine and had no power assist. When I started moving, the power assist came back. I had power assist when rolling down a slight hill even though the engine was at idle. Whole trip home was fine. But as soon as I slowed down to pull into my driveway, no power assist.

I can't figure this one out. Since the buggy is under warranty, I could take this to a Workhorse dealer - but they are 90 miles away from here.

Might you have any ideas of what I could check next? Has this ever happened to you? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Alfred, there are two most likely causes for your loss of power steering assist at low/parking speed conditions. Either your accessory drive belt is slipping (which should make noise) or the power steering pump is losing prime and not supplying pressure to the steering gear.

There lots of other potential reasons for your problem, but the above two conditions are the ones most likely to be cured by increasing rpm.

[Alfred622]

Thought you all might be interested in the resolution to the loose power steering assist problem I was having. Alan was right, it was the Power Steering Pump. I took the RV to ABC Bus in Faribault MN where a Workhorse certified technician did the diagnostics. He also consulted with WorkHorse. Since ABC just used their spare pump, Workhorse sent - via overnight delivery at no cost to me - a new replacement pump. ABC installed it, test drove the RV, and handed her back to me. Drives sweet now thanks to ABC and Workhorse. I was pleased with both companies.