Farm Equipment - Power Steering issue

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Power Steering issue

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=210026
Printed Date: 10 Feb 2026 at 7:15pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Power Steering issue

Posted By: jpi72
Subject: Power Steering issue
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 3:15pm

I have what I believe to be a 610 AC forklift. It has a D15 Series 2 engine in it (160 cu. in.). I am having trouble with the power steering not responding when I first start it up. The steering wheel is very hard to turn, and the steering wheels don't respond much. After warming up for a while and pulling on the steering wheel it seems to just start working. It will work fine until I shut it off. When I restart it, it may bother again, or it may work right immediately.

The forklift works up and down good right away after starting. I think the pump is working.

Is air getting into the system somehow? Not sure where to start. Any ideas?

Joel

Replies:

Posted By: DrAllis
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 3:47pm

The power steering pump (if it is a stand-alone pump) is losing prime. Time to reseal/overhaul/teardown. I'm not familiar with the chassis, but if the lift system always works, the power steering must be a pump of its own. Or, it is a tandem type pump with PS on one end and Lift on the other. Anyway, it is PUMP issues. Nothing else.

Posted By: CrestonM
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 5:44pm

I don't mean to hijack, but what if a guy is having the opposite issue? Steering works but it turns very freely and takes a lot more turning of the wheel to get the steering to respond. Steering orbital needing rebuilt you think?

Posted By: Leon B MO
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 6:33pm

Creston, we have an XT bought new in 72. Lots and lots of hours. Over the last couple of years the steering would wonder, turn the wheel and nothing happens until about the 2nd rotation. It is kind of a spare utility unit now so we were not in a hurry to fix it. About 2 months ago we removed the steering motor under dash and took it to a reputable shop. He said it was so wore out it would be best to replace it. About $500 later the ol XT goes where I want it to.
Leon B Mo

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Uncle always said "Fill the back of the shovel and the front will take care of itself".

Posted By: DrAllis
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 6:33pm

In 50 years I have NEVER done anything to an orbitrol except replace the quad seal for leaking oil up thru the steering column. What model machine ??