Yesterday, Saturday February 18th we no longer could put off the inevitable and started the prep work for the power steering pump repair. As much as we wanted to pay someone to do the work, we couldn’t find anyone who wanted to work on the problem during this time of year. Do wonder why? Well, I’ll tell you why. It is freaking COLD outside!!!!! Yes, the sun was out and it was a balmy 37 degrees, but the wind was out too and it sure made a difference in the temperature. You will be happy to know that I stayed outside with James for an hour and a half handing him tools, being his gofer and providing moral support.
During that time James removed the front driver’s side tire. This tire was going to be moved to the back and the new tire we are getting this weekend was going to be put on the front. Sounds like a good plan, right? It was, until we found out that the tire we removed from the front was in HORRID shape. It is a miracle that the coach made it safe and sound from Indiana to here! Check it out.
Since we have discovered that wonderful problem we now are looking at $600 for tires as opposed to the $200 we budgeted for one more tire. Truth be told I was a little nervous about changing our plans to only purchase 2 tires. I feel more comfortable knowing she is going to have decent skins when it’s time to roll. Let’s just hope the 2 tires we are planning on NOT replacing will be in ok shape to make it. If not, we might end up being here through the spring!
After we got over the tire shock James did some tinkering and poking around and now has access…sort of….to the power steering pump. He is still not certain if it is a line or a pump problem. We are holding our breath, crossing our fingers and wishing upon stars that it is just the lines. On Friday, James had to go to multiple auto parts stores in Findlay to find the pump and the lines. Ended up he had to order the lines which were supposed to be in yesterday (Saturday). Unfortunately, only one of the 2 lines arrived and they weren’t certain when the other would get there….maybe Monday. UGH!
James was researching/troubleshooting the power steering issue and is thinking/hoping it’s not the pump. If it is there are a couple of issues. The first being, he is not certain if he purchased the correct pump. The second, the process for installing the pump and making certain it is working properly is quite intense. He printed off the instructions (about 3 full pages worth) which was enough to instill some fear in his eyes.
Today, he and his friend are supposed to really get into the repair and hopefully find out that it’s just a line. I don’t know how much will be accomplished since one of the lines needed for the repair is not available and also it is a tad bit colder than yesterday. Whatever happens I’ll be sure to post the outcome. Keep your fingers, toes, knees, eyes and anything else you can think of crossed that it’s just a line.
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Here is what James has to report:
ReplyDeleteBy George I think I got it! Its done! all under the hood repairs are finished and thank to all that wished it was a hose... it was just a hose!!!! then after getting the power steering pump to quiet down we noticed the alternator was making a hell of a racket too, so off to the parts store to get it tested... and guess what? it to was dead dead dead I mean it failed in every way, no volts no amps no nothing, sooooo I got a new one and got it installed. well all was well for eh? 3 minutes when the belt broke (Old belt it seems) well instead of replacing just that belt I did them all. so after all this, new hose, new alternator, new belts ALLLLL DONE YAAAAAAAA!. She runs great!