Community Forums

dieseldrvr · 11-13-2010, 10:34 PM

I have a leak that looks like it is coming from the steering, but I am not sure exactly what it is. It uses ATF fluid. It is on my 95 Safari Sahara DP. It started leaking when I drove from my house in Austin to Dallas, and now I am stuck in Dallas.

I did a video to see if there is a simple fix that I can do here.

YouTube - RV Trouble

Has anyone repaired this themselves, and how did you do it??

94-Newmar · 11-14-2010, 04:36 AM

I don't believe that is a simple gasket on the output end of the steering gear. It appears that the fluid leak is coming from around the inner bearing/race which appears to have an outer seal that has failed due to wear or just age. That end bearing may very well be pressed on - which may require removing the entire steering gear in order to use a puller to R & R it. Check with your chassis manufacturer for the brand and then check around with some pump places around to get their thoughts.

Ray,IN · 11-15-2010, 09:13 PM

As a temporary fix you might try re-filling the unit with ATF stop-leak until you reach a repair facility, but replacement is the only solution.

Midniteoyl · 11-15-2010, 11:04 PM

Thats way to big a leak for 'stop-leak'.

bldrbob · 11-16-2010, 08:39 AM

I would go to the parts store and get the seal and gasket. Then you should be able to figure where it goes.It is a seal that is leaking not the gasket but a new one will be required.
BOB.

Dirtbuster · 11-16-2010, 10:01 AM

Looks like you have a pretty bad leak. I would gas that you are going to have to replace the leaking part. It looks like the steering gearbox that is leaking. Who built the chassis?

At this point I would not drive it any further. If you run the pump dry, you are could risk damaging other parts.

Good Luck!

Mageksl · 11-16-2010, 10:21 AM

You don't say whether anyone has recently topped the reservoir off. ATF comes in different compounds. If you use the wrong one it could attack rubber/synthetic seals. I only bring it up so you don't replace the seal and then have to do it again due to fluid incompatibility.

Once it's apart you should also check to make sure the metal mating surface on the shaft is absolutely smooth. Even a small nick or burr will tear up the seal.

Seajay · 11-16-2010, 10:25 AM

Like others have suggested I would start with a new gasket to solve the problem or to patch the problem. It is apparent that it is leaking thru pressure on the box when the motor is running. Start with a gasket and tell Napa what type chassis you have and which motor and the year of the motor might help. Get all the info you can on your coach and sometimes one of the ''counter guys'' at Napa can give you some really good advise concerning this. they hear a lot everyday and some of them are really sharp.
Best of luck....... I think if it were me i would take that ''plate'' off the end and take it with me to fit the gasket. After all, you are already broke down so what could it hurt. ....

this valuable info will cost you ten cents the next time you see me and if it dont help ... I NEVER KNEW YOU .....LOL......

Jbmsr · 11-16-2010, 09:40 PM

Hi dieseldrvr
I would find a local chassis dealer parts department and give them the last 8 digits of the vin#. Ask them for a diagram of your steering gear assembly. Point out to them where it is leaking and ask them if a seal kit is available. More times than not they have the kit and will let you know if you could remove the bolts and install the new seal with out any major tools. I run a number of Freightliner / Cummins m11's and ISM's. I have replaced the output seals many times on the side of the road with out much trouble. (remember to cover the shaft splines with paper so the new seal will not get dameged and also lube the seal)I am not familiar with your model but I would tackle it before I would let the dealer sell me a new unit
I hope this was some help to you.

Good luck!

jbmsr

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldrvr

I have a leak that looks like it is coming from the steering, but I am not sure exactly what it is. It uses ATF fluid. It is on my 95 Safari Sahara DP. It started leaking when I drove from my house in Austin to Dallas, and now I am stuck in Dallas.

I did a video to see if there is a simple fix that I can do here.

YouTube - RV Trouble

Has anyone repaired this themselves, and how did you do it??

trpwire · 11-28-2010, 05:43 PM

There is only one product that might work, providing you do not have a nicked / cut seal.

It's made by K & W and its called "Trans X"

It is designed for Power steering and auto transmissions, but will work for just about any petroleum fluids.

96 Dolphin 36' 454

Wally

Wallace I. Crawford Jr.
Lt. - FDOC - retired
Trpwire@aol.com
4570 SE 120 St.
Belleview, Fl 34420
352-245-8291

In God We Trust

Fiat Lux et Lux Fit
Spes Mea In DEO Est

dieseldrvr · 11-28-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trpwire

There is only one product that might work, providing you do not have a nicked / cut seal.

It's made by K & W and its called "Trans X"

It is designed for Power steering and auto transmissions, but will work for just about any petroleum fluids.

Where can I get that at???

Chuck 1935 · 11-28-2010, 06:48 PM

Any Auto Parts Store

Midniteoyl · 11-28-2010, 11:33 PM

Still too big a leak for that stuff to work...

mahon1993 · 11-28-2010, 11:41 PM

Usually a sealer additive is for a small weeping leak not for what you got. You have a blown seal and/or gasket that requires replacement. Any additive would be a waste of time and money. The MH will have to be towed to a repair shop or repaired where it sits. Good luck.
Greg