396 power steering

[650Guy]

Ok, this is probably going to be one of my most embarrassing posts. So last fall I purchased an 03 396 with Cummins power. I think I may be low on Power steering fluid (or should I say Hyd fluid) as my steering is a bit difficult as I go from one extreme to the other. What would any semi-handy guy do?? go fill the fluid, of course...

guess what... I can't find it! can anyone tell me where it is??

I'm so embarrassed...

[tomschauer]

Is there a small round black cap on the hub of your steering wheel?

[650Guy]

Well there is the typical "Carver" cap that once you remove it, exposes a standard bolt and threaded shaft.

[tomschauer]

You don't have auto type "power steering" driven by the engine, you have hydraulic steering. The reservoir is most likely at the helm. Little black cap as I mentioned above.

[tomschauer]

It should be behind the wheel on the chrome escushion pointing straight up about 1" diameter. Yours it a bit newer it may be different.

[650Guy]

sweet mother of pearl!! I think I found it! So now I will give you a nickel if you can tell me how to get fluid in there, and what type it uses??

[tomschauer]

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mar ... ecordNum=2

You know its going to cost you at least 55 cents to send me a nickel!

[tomschauer]

Fill to near full, turn lock to lock a couple times and check it again.

[tomschauer]

Keep a rag under there, if there is air in the system, it will bubble out with some fluid.
Do the lock to lock with the cap off.

[Viper]

As mentioned, there will be a small 1" diameter filler cap/knob on the top of the steering helm. If you have a flush mounted helm where all you see is the steering wheel, the filler cap will be mounted on a horizontal surface of the dash.

With diesels, you might want to check first if you have a pressurized system before removing the cap. If the system is pressurized, you'll have a mess when you remove the cap. When you try to unscrew the cap, if you find it difficult to turn, stop and look for the reservoir first to confirm if you have one before forcing the cap more. These are usually located in the stern bilge close to the steering ram though I have seen some in engine compartments. In this type of system you may have low fluid OR simply need to add more air pressure. Look for this type of canister or similar to confirm the type of system you have. If this is the type of system you have, you must release the pressure first before topping up the fluid, fill to the proper level, then pressurize to the recommended PSI as noted on the canister.