GILLIG LOW FLOOR, Service Manual

Page: 327 / 506

Hydraulic System
327
Maintenance Suggestions
• Never high-pressure wash or steam clean a power steering gear while on or off the vehicle, as this
can force contaminants inside the gear and cause it to malfunction.
• Make sure vehicle wheel cut or clearances meet specifications, and that pitman arm timing marks
are aligned properly to prevent internal bottoming of the steering gear.
• Regularly check the fluid and the fluid level in the hydraulic fluid reservoir.
• Keep tires inflated to correct pressure.
• Never use a torch to remove the pitman arm.
• Investigate and immediately correct the cause of any play, rattle, or shimmy in any part of the
steering system.
• Make sure the steering column is properly aligned.
• Encourage drivers to report any malfunctions or accidents that could have damaged steering com -
ponents.
• Do not attempt to weld any broken steering component. Replace the component with original
equipment only.
• Do not cold straighten, hot straighten, or bend any steering system component.
• Always clean around the reservoir filler cap before you remove it. Prevent dirt or other foreign
matter from entering the hydraulic system.
• Investigate and correct any external leaks, no matter how minor.
• Replace reservoir filters according to the maintenance schedule.
• If the vehicle is developing excessively high hydraulic fluid temperatures, consult with Gillig Field
Service for recommendations.
• Maintain grease pack behind the output shaft dirt and water seal as a general maintenance proce-
dure at least twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. A grease fitting is provided in the housing trun -
nion. Use only NLGI grade 2 or 3 multipurpose chassis lube, and use only a hand operated grease
gun on the fitting. Add grease until it begins to extrude past the sector shaft dirt and water seal.