- The hydraulic oil is too thick or the oil is the wrong type.
- The steering supply flow is partially blocked.
- The pump control is suspect or the control needs adjustment.
The Hydraulic Oil Is Too Thick Or The Oil Is The Wrong Type
Ensure that oil is the correct viscosity for the operating conditions. In order to determine the correct oil viscosity, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU8408, "Lubricant Viscosities and Refill Capacities".
Warm the oil to operating temperature.
The Steering Supply Flow Is Partially Blocked
Blockages, kinks, or restrictions in both the supply oil lines and the return oil lines can prevent oil flow to or from the steering motor and can create unusual noises due to the high pressures involved. The steering motor cannot turn without oil flow to the pump and from the pump. Check for these conditions on all hydraulic oil hoses, lines, and tubes in the steering system.
The Pump Control Is Suspect Or The Control Needs Adjustment
Refer to Troubleshooting, KENR8905 for diagnostic code troubleshooting procedures.
Ensure that a problem with the steering system electrical components are not causing the steering pump to operate improperly. Check the monitoring system for any fault codes that are related to Steering Position Sensor 1, Steering Position Sensor 2, Steering Position Sensor 3, the Left Steer Solenoid, or the Right Steer Solenoid. If the signals from the steering position sensors are incorrect, the ECM may not be commanding the solenoid to energize properly, and/or the ECM may not be commanding the solenoid to de-energize properly. Correct any problems with any or all of these components and then retest for the symptom(s).
If no fault codes exist for the steering pump control solenoids, the steering control solenoids and/or the steering position sensors may require calibration. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, KENR8558, "Steering - Calibrate".