TH210 and TH215 Telehandlers Steering System Caterpillar

This section provides probable causes to known problems. Perform a visual inspection of the machine. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Visual Inspection". Prepare the machine for troubleshooting. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Machine Preparation for Troubleshooting".

Operational Checks

Operate the machine in each direction and in all speeds. Take note of the noises that are not normal and find the sources of the noises.

Problem

The gear pump is noisy and the steering is jerky.

Possible Causes

• The hydraulic oil level is too low. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Hydraulic System Oil Level - Check".

• Air is trapped in the system. Inspect the oil in the hydraulic tank for bubbles. If air is found in the system, check all lines, all connections, and all seals in the hydraulic system.

• The gear pump is worn. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Pump Flow - Test`".

• The wrong hydraulic oil viscosity was used. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Lubricant Viscosities and Refill Capacities".

• There is a loose connection of the oil line on the inlet side of the implement and steering pump.

Problem

The steering wheel is difficult to turn.

Possible Causes

• The oil is cold.

• The oil is contaminated. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Hydraulic Oil Contamination -Test".

• There is a restriction in an oil line of the steering metering pump.

• The pump section of the metering pump is damaged. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

• The spool in the metering pump is sticking. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

• A steering cylinder is damaged. Inspect the steering cylinders for damage.

• The steering relief valve is set too low or the steering relief valve is sticking. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Steering System Pressures - Test and Adjust".

• There is a leak or blockage in the load sensing line. Check the load sensing line.

Problem

The steering system operates slowly.

Possible Causes

• The wrong hydraulic oil viscosity was used. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Lubricant Viscosities and Refill Capacities".

• A hydraulic line is restricted. Check the hydraulic lines for restrictions. Ensure that the lines are not kinked.

• The pump is producing insufficient flow. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Steering System Pressures - Test and Adjust".

• A steering cylinder is leaking. Inspect the steering cylinder for leaks.

• The steering signal relief valve is set too low. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Steering System Pressures - Test and Adjust".

Problem

The rear steering fails to align when you change from four-wheel steer to two-wheel steer.

Possible Causes

• The steering is out of synchronization. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Steering Alignment".

• The fuse for the steering circuit is faulty. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuses and Relays - Replace".

• There is an open circuit in the electrical system for the steering. Refer to the Electrical Schematic.

• The steering position sensor is faulty. Refer to Systems Operation, "Position Sensor (Steering)" and Testing and Adjusting, "Position Sensor (Steering) - Adjust".

• The position sensor is adjusted incorrectly. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Position Sensor (Steering) - Adjust".

• The relay for the steering system is faulty. Check the relay for proper operation. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuses and Relays - Replace" for information on replacing relays. Refer to the Electrical Schematic.

• The master steering select switch is faulty. Check the switch for continuity.

Problem

Crab steer and/or circle steer is inoperative.

Possible Causes

• The fuse for the steering circuit is faulty. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuses and Relays - Replace".

• There is an open open circuit in the electrical system for the steering. Refer to the Electrical Schematic.

• The solenoid on the steering selector valve is faulty. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Solenoid Valve - Test" for information on checking the solenoid. The spool is sticking in the steering selector valve.

• The switch for the steering mode is faulty. Check the switch for continuity.

Problem

There is no steering.

Possible Causes

• The check valve in the metering pump is stuck open. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

• A steering cylinder has seized.

• The gear pump is faulty. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual, "Gear Pump - Remove".

Problem

The steering wheel turns, but the wheels do not move.

Possible Causes

• The metering pump is contaminated with dirt. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

• The centering springs in the metering pump are faulty. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

• Air is trapped in the system. Inspect the hydraulic tank for bubbles. If air is found in the system, check all lines, all connections, and all seals in the hydraulic system. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Steering System - Purge".

• The seals on the steering cylinders are leaking. Inspect the steering cylinders for damage. .

• The check valve in the metering pump is stuck open. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

• The steering column is faulty. Check the column for damage.

• The hydraulic oil level is too low. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Hydraulic System Oil Level - Check".

• One or both shock valves are leaking. Check the shock valves.

• There is a mechanical failure in the steering linkage. Check the steering linkage.

Problem

The machine continues to steer when the steering wheel has stopped turning.

Possible Causes

• The metering pump is faulty. Replace the metering pump. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual, "Metering Pump (Steering) - Remove".

Problem

The road wheels vibrate.

Possible Causes

• Air is trapped in the steering cylinders. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Steering System - Purge".