Regional Haul Model Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Steering and Driveline
Power Steering
Oil (under low pressure) provides the power to operate
the steering gear. It also serves to lubricate moving parts
and remove heat. A loss of steering efficiency will occur if
too much heat builds up in the system.
WARNING! Do not operate the vehicle if the
steering system is not working properly. You
could lose control of your vehicle if the steering
system is not in good working condition,
which could result in an accident causing
death or injury. For driving safety, visually
check the steering gear and components. Frequent
checks are important for driving safety,
especially after traveling over rough roads.
NOTE: If the steering feels unbalanced from sideto-side
while turning, check for the following possible
causes:
• unequal tire pressures
• vehicle overloaded or unevenly distributed load
• wheels out of alignment
• wheel bearings improperly adjusted
STEERING AND DRIVELINE
If you cannot correct the problem, check with an Authorized
Service Center.
The Regional Haul vehicle is equipped with integral power
steering. The system includes an engine-driven fluid
pump, a fluid reservoir, the steering gear, and connecting
hoses. Because of the hydraulic power assist, little effort
is required to turn the steering wheel. When no input is
applied through the steering wheel, the steering gear will
return to the neutral position. If, for any reason, the power
assist system goes out, steering the vehicle is still possible—yet
it will require much greater effort.
Visually check the following parts:
• Crosstube: Is it straight?
• Draglink tube clamp: Check for looseness or interference.
• Ball joints and steering U–joints: Check for looseness.
• Steering wheel for excessive free-play. Check the
simplest probable causes first:
– unequal tire pressures
– loose cap nuts
– bent crosstube
– lack of lubrication
Regional Haul (R05/10) Y53-6033 – 239 –