Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Hello fellow members...
My faithful truck Nidra has gotten sick today.
The power steering and brakes just started howling/groaning like crazy.
I turn off the ol' diesel, open the power steering cap, foamy oil started gushing out. :--)
I let the truck sit for a while to let the oil settle then check again.
Seems to be down a bit so I topped it up.
I tried again, started the engine, moved the steering wheel back and forth, pumped the brakes but the groaning won't go away.
I opened the cap again, same thing, oil gushing out like volcano lava. #@$%!
It looks like air is pushing the oil out.
Anyone know what failed here?
I have a spare power steering pump and hydro boost system if they have to be replaced (used from a parts truck.)
Nidra has 550,000 kms (345,000 miles) on the original pump, steering box, and hydroboost.
So I'm guessing something happened but don't know what. I've never seen this happen yet before.
I've had to babysit this power steering system for the last 8 years that I've had this truck.
It's never leaked oil onto the ground but it's always needing a top up every so often.
It'll go the spring, summer and fall without needing topping up, but as soon as the temps drop to cold and snow, the pump starts groaning and needs oil added.
I have to do this several times a winter but as soon as the temps climb to shorts weather, I don't have to add anymore until the next snow flies.
If I go on a long trip like to the Cummins Plant tour, the powersteering reservoir is full when I leave but half way down, I have to add oil.
I return to Canada, the truck goes weeks or months without needing a top up.
I'm interested in knowing what's been going weird here.
Thanks.
Shawn
My faithful truck Nidra has gotten sick today.
The power steering and brakes just started howling/groaning like crazy.
I turn off the ol' diesel, open the power steering cap, foamy oil started gushing out. :--)
I let the truck sit for a while to let the oil settle then check again.
Seems to be down a bit so I topped it up.
I tried again, started the engine, moved the steering wheel back and forth, pumped the brakes but the groaning won't go away.
I opened the cap again, same thing, oil gushing out like volcano lava. #@$%!
It looks like air is pushing the oil out.
Anyone know what failed here?
I have a spare power steering pump and hydro boost system if they have to be replaced (used from a parts truck.)
Nidra has 550,000 kms (345,000 miles) on the original pump, steering box, and hydroboost.
So I'm guessing something happened but don't know what. I've never seen this happen yet before.
I've had to babysit this power steering system for the last 8 years that I've had this truck.
It's never leaked oil onto the ground but it's always needing a top up every so often.
It'll go the spring, summer and fall without needing topping up, but as soon as the temps drop to cold and snow, the pump starts groaning and needs oil added.
I have to do this several times a winter but as soon as the temps climb to shorts weather, I don't have to add anymore until the next snow flies.
If I go on a long trip like to the Cummins Plant tour, the powersteering reservoir is full when I leave but half way down, I have to add oil.
I return to Canada, the truck goes weeks or months without needing a top up.
I'm interested in knowing what's been going weird here.
Thanks.
Shawn
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