Hyster forklift steering

[johndeeregreg]

have a Hyster model H50H forklift that doesn't turn to the left like it should, right turn seems normal, if i get the wheels to turn it takes twice the revolutions of the steering wheel to turn them full left from full right than it does to go full right from full left. other times you can turn the wheel 6-10 rounds before the wheels start turning left. any idea what to check? as far as i can tell it uses the same pump and oil as the lift. my first suspicion is something with the steering motor on the end of the steering wheel shaft, the steering cylinder underneath isn't leaking externally and left turn would extend the cylinder so the pressure would be on the big side of piston.

 

[Steve@Advance]

My first "guess" would be the cylinder.

Not a lot to go wrong in the steering motor, and if the rest of the hydraulics are working the steering should still be getting pressure.

I would take the cylinder off and test the internal seals. A quick test would be hold your fingers over the ports, any movement of the rod in or out should create an unstoppable flow, one in, the other out.

Or carefully apply air pressure, the cylinder should respond and seal without blowing past the piston seals.

Does the steering wheel feel free and smooth? No grinding or tight spots? It's probably OK if it feels good and not leaking.

If you do take the steering motor apart, do so only as a last resort. Take notes and pictures! It will go back many ways, but only work when right. Get it wrong and strange destructive (violent shaking or spinning of the wheel) things happen! First hand bad experience!

 

[johndeeregreg]

ok, cylinder is probably the smartest easiest place to start. i was going to try it with the rear jacked up and see how it works but forgot to try that.

 

[Centerplate]

My clark fork truck had super funky steering. It ended up being the anchor point where the cylinder attached to the frame. The rubber bushings were worn out.

 

[JimKS]

To check the cylinder turn the steering all the way to the left. Shut the engine off.Next loosen the hose that would make it turn right do not take it off.Start the engine turn to the left if you have flow you have a leaking seal. It helps to have an other to observe.

Jim

 

[jm.]

Steve is trying to tell you in a nice way , about 90% of the folks that take one of those steering controllers never get them back together right. Just not that easy.

 

[johndeeregreg]

yeah John Deere has some the same way, you make sure your arm isn't through the steering wheel when you first start it so you don't brake your arm in case you got it wrong.

 

[johndeeregreg]

the part i don't understand is if its the cylinder wouldn't it do it both ways? i was looking at it this morning and found there is a valve between the cylinder and steering motor that is where the pressure comes into the steering system, 2 lines between the motor and that valve and 2 lines between the cylinder and the valve.