Community Forums

sirmtn · 07-15-2012, 04:49 PM

Diane and I have our wonderful? 2005 Monaco Exec with a Detroit 60 engine. When
the RPMs are under 1000 and your foot is on the brake the steering will lock. I
have to release the brake and accelerate in order for the steering to operate.
We have had this problem for quite some time. Supposedly they have replaced the
steering gear box and power steering pump with reconditioned units but the
problem still exists. Does anyone have any ideas??? This is a very frustrating
situation and we are unable to drive the coach. Ray and Diane
dmcoco@att.net or me at sirmtn@att.net
Thanks
Ray

C-PHartley · 07-15-2012, 07:18 PM

Assuming that the fluid level is correct, I would start looking for a kinked hydraulic hose somewhere.

Barlow46 · 07-15-2012, 08:11 PM

Any ABS lights ever come on?

Robi.1014 · 07-15-2012, 09:12 PM

Ray,
Let me start with some caveats:
1) I'm sure you're aware that the brakes (air-based) and steering (hydraulic-based) are separate systems. So I'll proceed with the assumption that it is strictly engine RPM (dropping below 1000 RPM) that allows the steering to "lock". Applying the brakes is not a player here.
2) And to "lock" means that you loose the "power" of power steering...which means that steering becomes exceedingly difficult.
3) Both of the items you said were replaced are not continuing to cause the fault...

My guess:
There's a blockage in your hoses carrying the power steering fluid...reducing the flow-rate (and thus the needed operating pressure). The blockage reveals itself when engine RPM is low. BTW, when was the filter last changed in your power-steering-fluid reservoir?

Papa_Jim · 07-15-2012, 10:12 PM

We experienced the problem of the steering locking. Usually it happened after we had covered a few miles and everything was well warmed up.

I changed the filters in the hydraulic tank, drained out all the oil and replaced it with new oil. The steering has never locked up since.

historyljc · 07-15-2012, 10:15 PM

Hi Ray, welcome to the forum. Sorry, can't help on your problem.

pipedream2 · 07-17-2012, 09:00 AM

Ray
It is possible that you have a "Howard Steer-safe "installed and the pressure is not setup right....too high....your symptoms sound like it is trying to straighten you out when the brakes are applied....as in a blowout or some similar safety maneuver.......I dont have one on my coach......maybe someone will chime in that uses this system

rwdrummer · 11-12-2012, 03:20 PM

I had a steering problem with my Monaco Dynasty. There was an adjustment screw on top of power steering pump. I gave it about a half of turn inward and it eased up. I also replaced a pressure relief valve that was malfunctioning where all the hydraulic hoses come together. Drained and replaced oil.

lonestarace · 11-13-2012, 11:03 AM

Sounds to me like your PS pump is failing to put out enough pressure at low rpm.

This thread might have some useful info.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f112/my-f...ml#post1364288

wonderer1 · 11-13-2012, 12:22 PM

very rarely hydraulic hoses will come apart on the inside and cause problems. your's is so new i wouldn't think this is the problem. but after everything else i would check them.