Animal223
Milford, CT
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Joined: 01/22/2008
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I recently acquired a 1992 Itasca Sunflyer 34' on a Chevy P30 chassis (454 V8 gas engine). I am currently working on getting it back in working order after a long period of non-use.
When recently run (maybe 6 months or so ago) when the engine was run, the power steering fluid leaked. When it was started today, there was no leak but also no power assist for the steering - I am assuming all the fluid leaked out previously. I plan to have this repaired, but came across another peculiarity which may or may not be related.
It seems the parking brake will not release. As I understand it this chassis has the HydroBoost system so the brakes and power steering are somehow related. I have pulled the brake release handle and the parking brake pedal returns to its released position, but the parking brake light stays on and the rig will not move.
Would having the power steering pump fixed likely fix the parking brake release issue as well? Or is it a different thing entirely? I had thought I had heard that the parking brake was actuated by spring and released by hydraulic pressure, but not sure if that is correct.
Any help in troubleshooting or understanding how the system works would be appreciated.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Maybe yes and maybe no on the two issues being related. What is the gross weight rating, like 14,800, 16,000, etc. Great than 14,800 may have the Auto Park feature. That year model Auto Park was powered off of the power steering pump. Add just enought fluid to get the steering to work and if the parking brake will not release when you take it out of Park. It is a drum brake between the transmission and drive shaft.
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Animal223
Milford, CT
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Thanks for the info, I will try adding fluid and see if the brake will release. GVWR is 16,000 lbs, so I guess it may have auto-park. Thank you for the help!
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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oldusedbear on this forum is your best source for info on this system. Get the fluid up to a min level and you may be able to move. Update us on what you find.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Parking brake is released by hydraulic pressure provided by power steering pump
So if you have no Power Stering... you are stuck in PARK!
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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sum1
So-Cal
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Joined: 11/07/2005
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I have the same chassis. First a word of warning. Don't let anybody touch it until you've communicated with Oldusedbear, our AutoPark Genie!
Send a Private Message to Oldusedbear
The Power Steering pump provides for the Power Steering, HydroBoost Brake, and the AutoPark. As you believed, the AutoPark is applied by default by a large spring which pulls a heavy cable. It is released by hydraulic pressure. The driveshaft mounted drum brake is used in lieu of the Park pawl used in lighter duty vehicles. You're footbrake (not your service brakes) also appies the same drum brake via a cable and levers. The two can be operated independently, but releasing one should not release the other.
It sounds like fixing the leak, then re-filling and bleeding the system will fix you up. Contact Oldusedbear and keep us posted along the way.
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jenks60
MS. coast
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Joined: 10/27/2001
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Yep, no power steering, no move!!
My Actuator had a leak, probably where yours is leaking.
I opted to remove the "auto park' feature and just use the foot pedal.
Look on driver's sun visor for a note about "auto park', should be there.
jenks, fulltiming with the DW.
92 Southwind P3(32) 33 ft.
99 Saturn SL2
Rallys attended-TX 2, LA 2, MS 1, AL 2
MA. 1 drop in for visit.
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Animal223
Milford, CT
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Thanks for all the quick responses, your help is much appreciated. I will try your suggestions this weekend and talk to Oldusedbear and report back after!
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Animal223
Milford, CT
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Hello everyone,
Sorry for the delay in posting results but it took awhile before I had a chance to try your suggestions.
I filled the P/S reservoir and gave it a try. The steering wheel then was able to turn about 10 degrees each way with power assist before becoming difficult. At that point, the pump would whine and fluid would leak from the flare fittings that enter the steering box (one fitting would leak at a time depending which direction I was trying to turn the wheels). The harder I turned, the faster the leak. Very little motion from the tires. Fluid did not appear to leak from anywhere else.
When I shifted out of park, the parking brake did indeed disengage - although at that point the steering became very difficult. Returning the gearshift to Park re-set the parking brake and then the steering was a little more responsive again. Toward the end of my test run, the P/S pump would whine constantly and there appeared to be some foaming in the reservoir. Fluid was still nearly full in the reservoir, although down a bit from the amount that had leaked.
From this exercise, I think I have learned several things:
- AutoPark is working fine when there is fluid in the system
- P/S pump appears to produce at least some pressure since it can force fluid out of the fittings
I am going to get some line whenches and try to tighten the fittings at the steering box. My questions are:
- Could air in the system be the reason for the mediocre steering performance? Is there a way to fully bleed the system when I cannot rotate the wheel lock-to-lock?
- Does this situation seem to point to a certain failed part, or another situation which at this point requires towing and a professional fix? I consider myself relatively mechanically inclined, but by no means an expert mechanic.
Thanks again for all your help!
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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I was thinking air could be an issue but was thinking with time it should work to the fill tank?
Did you actually drive it or was that not really possible? If it is leaking only, not a pump inability to pump then you should be able to get it to working fine before fixing the leak.
Fact: the PS pump is really worked hard in your system and perhaps is the reason they dropped the one pump system and when with a second one for Auto Park only so the PS pump may be tired.
Sorry I do not have direct experience there. Get with oldusedbear.
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