Forklift steering is probably the thing operators
take for granted the most. Everything’s moving along until you try to navigate
a sharp turn and the forklift steering locks up or it doesn’t respond to the
hard left turn you tried to make.
Join us as our Indiana
forklift experts take a look at the most common forklift steering
problems, how to troubleshoot them, and best practices for fixing and avoiding
steering issues.
Warning Signs for Forklift
Steering Problems
Unfortunately, there aren’t a whole lot of
warning signs for steering issues before they become too serious. One of the
ones to be on the lookout for is any type of strange noise while turning the
wheels, especially when the lift truck is loaded. That could be an early
warning sign of rust in the steering mechanism, old pressure relief valves, or
even an issue in the hydraulics which may operate the steering pressure in some
models.
Often it’s too late to diagnose problems in your
forklift steering before it takes your entire truck out of commission. Locked
steering, almost no steering pressure from turning the wheel, or irregular
shifts in direction can all be dangerous for your workplace, so be sure to keep
any forklift with steering issues off the work floor until the problem can be
fixed.
The Most Common Causes of
Forklift Steering Issues
Like with a car, an issue with forklift steering
can be caused by anything from the tires to the electronics. Of all the
steering issues we’ve diagnosed, these tend to be the most common culprits.
Steering Pressure Valves
Some forklifts (especially older ones) have a
distinct steering pump that regulates steering all on its own. However, most
forklifts nowadays have steering pressure that operates from the hydraulic
system, which uses a secondary valve to regulate steering pressure. These
valves can often be the cause of steering issues if they’re loose, out of
position, or just worn over time. Replacing these valves will usually require
the aid of a certified forklift mechanic or maintenance
team.
Worn Gears
If you’re not getting much response from turning
the steering wheel, and having to turn the wheel almost entirely to get even a
fraction of a turn from the tires, the cause might be worn gears. Especially in
older forklifts or ones that have put in thousands of hours of work, worn gears
can easily ruin your forklift steering. If you’re using a used forklift in Indiana, this can be a common culprit.
Low Steering Fluid Levels
Sometimes the most obvious answer is the right
one. A lack of steering fluid in your forklift can cause excess friction,
resulting in heat that wears down parts of the steering mechanism. Be sure to
regularly monitor and replenish all fluid levels in your lift truck.
Misaligned Tires
Depending on your forklift’s make and model, as
well as the kind of work you’re doing, the tires on your forklift can become
misaligned. This is usually caused by a malfunctioning steering cylinder, which
may need to be repacked or replaced entirely. Occasionally, worn linkage as
well as a leaking diverter valve inside the steering assembly can cause a
single wheel to drift over time, leading to misalignment.
Getting Your Forklift Steering
Fixed
Unless you have an in-house forklift technician
to service your fleet, your best bet for fixing any issues with your forklift
steering is to get factory-certified technicians to diagnose and fix your
issues. Tynan Equipment Co. helps hundreds of Indiana warehouses, supply
chains, and construction businesses maintain their lift truck fleets. Call us
at (317) 247-8474 to get help on fixing any forklift issues you encounter.
