I've got a 1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge motorhome (with a CAT 3208) which I purchased in February. It has a power steering leak, from the supply hose from reservoir to pump and from the return hose. These hoses are clamped on to barbed fittings. The reservoir is mounted above the front engine and is unvented. In looking thru the records, it has always leaked fluid right from the factory and has had hoses replaced numerous times and pump replaced once (in 100k miles). Given the repeated replacement of hoses, the best hypothesis I've heard to explain the leaks is that the fluid is getting too hot and the unvented reservoir allows pressure to build up in the low pressure hoses, causing the leaks. I just vented the reservoir and am considering replacing the clamped hoses with high pressure hoses. However, I'd like to confirm the hypthesis before taking action since I am also considering adding a cooler to the system if the problem is really high temperature.

So--does anyone know what is the normal operating temperature of power steering fluid? I can measure the temperature with my infrared thermometer but I don't know what the correct parameters are for power steering fluid.

I just realized I could also temporarily mount a pressure gauge on the reservoir to see if pressure is really building up inside.

Any other thoughts on possible causes for the leaks? It doesn't leak a lot--maybe a quart in 3000 miles but it always drips and gets fluid everwhere undneath.
By the way, other Bluebird owners also report the same or similar problems.

Kerry

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13