10-02-2012, 04:48 AM
Howard Power Steering Assist
For those of you who don't have it, a short explanation.
In the orange cylinder is a rubber bladder. Air is injected into the bladder and the bladder pushes on the hydraulic fluid, whose level is shown in my cracked sight "glass". It's not actually glass. There are two hydraulic lines connected to a very complicated cylinder that is located between the body of the coach and the steering arm. The system is designed to make driving easier, especially in any cross winds, and to prevent sudden changes in wheel angle that might happen with a steer tire blowout. The driver can adjust the air pressure that is supplied by the system's own air compressor. I run about 140 psi. The system also holds the steering on a center position defined by the driver when he/she presses the trim button. This, for me, reduces the corrections required to keep the coach on a straight line. I really enjoyed the system when driving out west on long straight roads in windy conditions.
When it started leaking, after I got back, I decided I would do all I can to repair it. The business folded years ago, so no parts.
The sight gauge, for reasons I am afraid I will understand too late, is tapered over its length, and even the wall thickness changes over its length. It is going to be very difficult to product those changes through machining. I will try a simple single ID and OD and match the dimensions where it interfaces with the "o" rings. I purchased solid acrylic rod slightly larger than the OD of the gauge. It will arrive today and I will go searching for a machine shop or take it to the basement and put it in my lathe ( woodworking ). Haven't decided which yet.
So Steve - congrats! Thanks to everyone else - it was fun. System picture below.
For those of you who don't have it, a short explanation.
In the orange cylinder is a rubber bladder. Air is injected into the bladder and the bladder pushes on the hydraulic fluid, whose level is shown in my cracked sight "glass". It's not actually glass. There are two hydraulic lines connected to a very complicated cylinder that is located between the body of the coach and the steering arm. The system is designed to make driving easier, especially in any cross winds, and to prevent sudden changes in wheel angle that might happen with a steer tire blowout. The driver can adjust the air pressure that is supplied by the system's own air compressor. I run about 140 psi. The system also holds the steering on a center position defined by the driver when he/she presses the trim button. This, for me, reduces the corrections required to keep the coach on a straight line. I really enjoyed the system when driving out west on long straight roads in windy conditions.
When it started leaking, after I got back, I decided I would do all I can to repair it. The business folded years ago, so no parts.
The sight gauge, for reasons I am afraid I will understand too late, is tapered over its length, and even the wall thickness changes over its length. It is going to be very difficult to product those changes through machining. I will try a simple single ID and OD and match the dimensions where it interfaces with the "o" rings. I purchased solid acrylic rod slightly larger than the OD of the gauge. It will arrive today and I will go searching for a machine shop or take it to the basement and put it in my lathe ( woodworking ). Haven't decided which yet.
So Steve - congrats! Thanks to everyone else - it was fun. System picture below.
Russ White
2016 Winnebago Vista LX 30T
#530 ( Sold )
1999 45' Double Slide - Factory upgrade 2004