What Causes the Steering Wheel of a Forklift to Spin Without Direction?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why the steering wheel of a forklift may spin without direction: Damage to the gear pump: First, check if there is an issue with the lifting of the boom. If lifting also lacks power or the speed noticeably decreases, it indicates that the gear pump is damaged, not the steering mechanism. Blockage in the high-pressure oil pipe: Inspect whether the high-pressure oil pipe connecting the priority valve and the steering mechanism is clear. If blocked, it can also cause the steering mechanism to spin without direction. Incorrect hydraulic oil specification: The most common issue in winter is related to hydraulic oil. If the hydraulic oil was recently replaced, it might be the problem. In winter, it is necessary to use No. 46 hydraulic oil.
That day when I was operating the forklift, the steering wheel suddenly slipped and spun freely, which was really frightening. This situation is mostly caused by a problem with the steering hydraulics. It could be that the steering pump is broken and can't supply enough oil pressure, or there's too little hydraulic fluid to function properly. Additionally, if the gears inside the steering gear are severely worn, this can also happen. You should check if the power steering fluid is sufficient and then inspect the oil pipe connections for any leaks. By the way, a loose universal joint under the steering column is also a common cause. If you encounter this situation, don't force the steering wheel, as it can easily damage the gearbox. It's recommended to shut off the engine immediately and call a mechanic. Last time I had this issue fixed, it cost me over 300 yuan to replace the steering oil seal.
