TM 5-3895-346-14
POWER STEERING
STEERING CONTROL
STEERING CONTROL
Your Orbitrol power steering control has been designed and manufactured with the greatest care to sustain all
parts in peak operating condition throughout a long period of trouble-free service. As are many hydraulic
components, the Orbitrol is continuously lubricated by the fluid which is used to power the system. A good
selection of adequate materials allows the unit to function well over a wide temperature range.
The Orbitrol is specifically designed for use with automatic transmission fluid, Type A. All standard units,
unless otherwise specifically ordered, have synthetic seals which are compatible with ATF-A at temperatures up
to over 200 .
F
A normal periodic functional check of the entire vehicle power steering system will generally be adequate to in-
sure satisfactory service. The oil level of the reservoir that supplies the system is most important. If the oil
level drops appreciably over short periods of use, it will be wise to search for a leak in the system.
A black accumulation of dirt at a fitting can indicate a leakage point. If the fitting is taken apart to correct
leakage, first clean the area complete- ly with a solvent-wetted cloth, steam clean, or otherwise clean off any
debris from the immediate area and any dirt accumulation above the area so that contamination will not enter
the system while the connection is open. Then be extremely careful to apply compound sparingly to the male
fitting only. Do not let any compound enter an area in which it may be washed into the oil stream.
WARNING
Never use fluid system stop leak additives to attempt to seal fluid leakage. Many
good automotive power steering systems have been ruined by such attempts.
To continue the functional check of the system, turn the steering wheel through the full travel with the vehicle
power on. Do this at engine idle and full throttle with the machine standing still, the steered wheels on dry con-
crete, and with the machine rolling slowly. Note any speed irregularities and sticky sensation. These may indi-
cate dirt in the fluid. If under any of these conditions the steering wheel continues to rotate when started and
released, a condition known as motoring exists. This may also indicate dirty fluid in the system.
If a dirty fluid is suspected, clean or replace the filter element in the system. This is generally located in or near
the pump or reservoir.
Figure 1.
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