STEERING SYSTEM

H14.00-20.00XM [A214];
H16.00-18.00XM-12EC (H400-450H-EC) [A214]

PART NO. 897993 1600 SRM 671

 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
• When lifting parts or assemblies, make sure all slings, chains, or cables are correctly
fastened, and that the load being lifted is balanced. Make sure the crane, cables, and
chains have the capacity to support the weight of the load.

• Do not lift heavy parts by hand, use a lifting mechanism.

• Wear safety glasses.

• DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CONNECTOR before doing any maintenance or repair

on electric lift trucks.

• Disconnect the battery ground cable on internal combustion lift trucks.

• Always use correct blocks to prevent the unit from rolling or falling. See HOW TO PUT
THE LIFT TRUCK ON BLOCKS in the Operating Manual or the Periodic Mainte-
nance section.

• Keep the unit clean and the working area clean and orderly.

• Use the correct tools for the job.

• Keep the tools clean and in good condition.

• Always use HYSTER APPROVED parts when making repairs. Replacement parts
must meet or exceed the specifications of the original equipment manufacturer.

• Make sure all nuts, bolts, snap rings, and other fastening devices are removed before
using force to remove parts.

• Always fasten a DO NOT OPERATE tag to the controls of the unit when making repairs,
or if the unit needs repairs.

• Be sure to follow the WARNING and CAUTION notes in the instructions.

• Gasoline, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Diesel fuel
are flammable. Be sure to follow the necessary safety precautions when handling these
fuels and when working on these fuel systems.

• Batteries generate flammable gas when they are being charged. Keep fire and sparks
away from the area. Make sure the area is well ventilated.

NOTE: The following symbols and words indicate safety information in this
manual:

WARNING
Indicates a condition that can cause immediate death or injury!

CAUTION
Indicates a condition that can cause property damage!
Steering System Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General ............................................................................................................................................................... 1
Description ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Steering Wheel and Column Assembly Repair ................................................................................................ 3
General ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Steering Wheel and Horn.............................................................................................................................. 3
Remove....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Install ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Steering Control Unit Repair ............................................................................................................................ 5
Description ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Operation ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Load Sensing Steering .............................................................................................................................. 5
Remove ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Disassemble ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Clean .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Assemble and Install ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Steering System Air Removal ........................................................................................................................... 15
Steering Relief Pressure Check......................................................................................................................... 16
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................................................. 18

This section is for the following models:

H14.00-20.00XM [A214];
H16.00-18.00XM-12EC (H400-450H-EC) [A214]

©2003 HYSTER COMPANY i

"THE
QUALITY
KEEPERS"

HYSTER
APPROVED
PARTS
1600 SRM 671 Description

General
This section has the description and repair procedures for the parts of the steering system. Description and
repair information is given for the steering wheel and column assembly and the steering control unit. Repair
information for the parts of the steering axle is in the section Steering Axle 1600 SRM 658.

Description
These lift trucks use a hydraulic steering system. When the engine is not running, a check valve closes
See Figure 1 and Figure 2. The hydraulic pump is and permits the steering control unit to give manual
driven by the transmission and supplies oil to the control to the steering system. The lift truck is diffi-
priority valve. The priority valve is operated by the cult to steer when the steering pump is not operating,
sense line in such a way that, when the steering but the steering remains and is possible.
wheel is not being turned, the hydraulic supply goes
to the lift spool, and when the steering wheel is being
turned, the hydraulic supply goes to the steering
control unit for steering.

1. MAIN CONTROL VALVE 6. RELIEF VALVE

2. PRIORITY VALVE 7. HYDRAULIC TANK
3. HYDRAULIC PUMP 8. STEERING SYSTEM CHECK PORT
4. STEERING CYLINDER 9. LIFT SPOOL/LIFT VALVE
5. STEERING CONTROL UNIT 10. SENSE LINE (LOAD SENSING)

Figure 1. Steering System Schematic Diagram

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Description 1600 SRM 671

1. STEERING CONTROL UNIT AND MANIFOLD 5. SUPPLY FROM PUMP

BLOCK 6. HYDRAULIC PUMP
2. SENSE LINE (LOAD SENSING) 7. HYDRAULIC TANK
3. MAIN CONTROL VALVE 8. STEERING SUPPLY
4. PRIORITY VALVE SECTION 9. STEERING CYLINDER

Figure 2. Steering System Arrangement

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Wheel and Column Assembly Repair

Steering Wheel and Column Assembly Repair

GENERAL WARNING
The steering control unit and steering column are To prevent electrical arcing when removing
mounted to the steering housing. See Figure 3. The the cover, disconnect the negative battery ca-
steering housing is mounted on the cowl of the lift ble.
truck and can tilt up or down. The steering wheel is
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
connected to the steering control unit by the steering
column. The steering wheel is held on the splines of 2. Remove the horn cover and switch assembly. See
the steering column with a large nut. The steering Figure 3. Remove the electrical wire to the horn
control unit has splines that engage with the lower switch. Remove the large nut and pull the steer-
end of the shaft in the steering column. ing wheel from the steering shaft with a suitable
puller.
The steering housing is held in position by a spring-
loaded latch assembly. Another spring is the sup-
Install
port for the assembly during adjustment. A cover on
the housing gives access to the steering control unit, 1. Install the steering wheel and the nut onto the
hydraulic lines, and the electrical parts. Five hoses steering shaft. See Figure 3. Tighten the nut to
are connected to the steering control unit and pass 35 to 45 N•m (26 to 33 lbf ft).
through clamps on the cowl.
2. Attach the electrical wire to the horn switch. In-
Information on the gauges in the steering housing stall the horn switch and the horn cover.
is in section Instrument Panel Indicators and
Senders 2200 SRM 143.

STEERING WHEEL AND HORN

Remove
This procedure describes the replacement of the
steering wheel and horn actuator assembly. Disas-
semble the parts as required to make repairs.

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Steering Wheel and Column Assembly Repair 1600 SRM 671

1. STEERING WHEEL 7. BRACKET 13. CAPSCREW AND WASHER

2. HORN BUTTON ASSEMBLY 8. STEERING CONTROL UNIT 14. GROMMET
3. NUT 9. MANIFOLD BLOCK 15. SPACER
4. STEERING COLUMN 10. ADJUSTMENT LATCH 16. LOAD SENSING PORT
5. STEERING HOUSING 11. SPRING 17. BUSHING
6. CAPSCREW 12. ACCESS COVER 18. PIVOT BOLT

Figure 3. Steering Wheel and Steering Column Assembly

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Control Unit Repair

Steering Control Unit Repair

DESCRIPTION OPERATION
The steering control unit is a hydrostatic unit that As the steering wheel is turned, the spool just begins
is controlled by the steering wheel. See Figure 4. to rotate. See Figure 4. The springs try to move the
It is mounted in the steering housing. The steering sleeve to keep the neutral position between the spool
control unit has a shaft assembly, a control section, and sleeve. However, the force necessary to turn the
and a metering section. The hydraulic hoses for the rotor is greater than the pressure of the springs. The
steering system are fastened to a manifold block. springs begin to bend, letting the spool move a small
amount within the sleeve. The spool stops moving
Turning the steering wheel actuates three main when it touches the center pin. In this position, the
parts of the steering control unit: (1) The spool for holes in the sleeve and the spool are aligned. Oil
the control section, (2) the sleeve for the control coming into the control unit flows to the metering
section, and (3) the rotor in the metering section. section.
When the steering wheel is not moving, the spool
and sleeve are held in the neutral (center) position More rotation of the steering wheel causes the spool
by springs. During this time, oil flows freely through to rotate the pin. This action causes the rotation of
the priority valve section of the control valve. The the sleeve and the rotor in the metering section. The
oil does not flow to the steering cylinder. oil then flows to one side of the steering cylinder. Oil
from the other side of the steering cylinder flows back
to the control section of the steering control unit.

When the steering wheel stops moving, the metering

action in the metering section also stops. The neu-
tral position springs return the sleeve to the neutral
position. When this action occurs, the pressure stays
in the steering cylinder to keep the tires in position.
Oil from the pump flows through the priority valve to
the lift circuit and then back to the hydraulic tank.
To return the tires to the straight position, the steer-
ing wheel must be rotated in the opposite direction.
The steering control unit will operate as described,
but all parts will rotate in the opposite direction.

Load Sensing Steering

The demand for steering is sensed at the load sensing
(LS) port in the steering control unit. The pilot line
from the LS port is connected to the priority valve
in the main control valve. While steering, a spring
and pilot pressure from the LS line hold the regula-
tor spool open for steering. When there is no pres-
1. CONTROL SECTION sure in the LS line (no steering), pilot pressure from
2. METERING SECTION the hydraulic pump shifts the spool. In this position,
3. CHECK BALL (MANUAL OPERATION)
4. SLEEVE most of the oil for the steering system goes to the lift
5. NEUTRAL POSITION SPRINGS circuit.
6. SPOOL

Figure 4. Steering Control Unit

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Steering Control Unit Repair 1600 SRM 671

REMOVE puller. Put tags on the hydraulic lines at the

manifold block. Disconnect the hydraulic lines
WARNING and put caps on the openings.
To prevent electrical arcing when removing 2. Remove the four capscrews that fasten the steer-
the cover, disconnect the negative battery ca- ing control unit to the bracket and remove the
ble. steering control unit. Remove the steering col-
umn from the steering control unit.
1. Remove the cover from the steering housing. See
Figure 3. Remove the steering wheel using a

DISASSEMBLE
STEP 1.
Put the control unit in a vise with soft jaws. Make
an identification mark along the length of the control
unit. Put a mark on the stator so that the same side
is toward the body of the control unit. Remove the
manifold block.

1. STEERING CONTROL UNIT

2. VISE

STEP 2.
Remove the cover on the bottom of the steering con-
trol unit.

1. O-RING
2. COVER
3. CAPSCREW

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Control Unit Repair

STEP 3.
Remove the spacer, the stator, rotor, and port plate.
Remove the O-rings. Remove the center shaft.

1. O-RING
2. CENTER SHAFT
3. PORT PLATE
4. STATOR
5. ROTOR
6. SPACER

STEP 4.
Remove the retainer for the check ball. Remove the
check ball.

1. RETAINER

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Steering Control Unit Repair 1600 SRM 671

STEP 5.
Remove the spool and sleeve assembly. Remove the thrust bearing assembly from the spool. Push the center
pin from the sleeve. Carefully remove the spool from the sleeve. (Rotate the spool slowly during removal.)
Remove the ring from the sleeve. Remove the neutral position springs from the spool.

1. SPOOL AND SLEEVE ASSEMBLY 5. NEUTRAL POSITION SPRINGS

2. RING 6. CENTER PIN
3. SPOOL 7. THRUST BEARING
4. SLEEVE 8. THRUST WASHER

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Control Unit Repair

STEP 6.
Remove the relief valve assembly and dust seal from
the housing. Do not disassemble the relief valve car-
tridge.

1. DUST SEAL
2. RELIEF VALVE ASSEMBLY
3. HOUSING

CLEAN Clean all the parts in solvent. Dry the parts with
compressed air. Do not dry the parts with a cloth.
WARNING Make sure all surfaces are free of scratches and sharp
edges.
Cleaning solvents can be flammable and toxic
and can cause skin irritation. When using
cleaning solvents, always follow the solvent
manufacturer’s recommended safety precau-
tions.

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL

Use new seals, O-rings, and neutral position springs during assembly. Lubricate all parts with clean hydraulic
oil.

STEP 1.
Carefully assemble the spool and sleeve. Make sure
the spool rotates freely in the sleeve. Make sure the
alignment marks are aligned.

1. SPOOL
2. SLEEVE

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Steering Control Unit Repair 1600 SRM 671

STEP 2.
Assemble the neutral position springs, then push
them into position in the spool. Make sure the flat
springs are installed to the outside of the curved
springs. Install the center pin. Install the ring on
the sleeve (over the neutral position springs). The
ring must turn freely on the sleeve.

1. SPOOL
2. NEUTRAL POSITION SPRINGS (FLAT)
3. NEUTRAL POSITION SPRINGS (CURVED)
4. CENTER PIN
5. RING

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Control Unit Repair

STEP 3.
Put the spool on the workbench, then put the hous-
ing onto the spool as shown. Install the guide ring
with the O-ring on the end of the spool. Put a large
thrust washer (see STEP 4) on top of the guide ring
and O-ring assembly. Use a socket or tube to push on
the washer and install the O-ring and guide ring in
the housing. Carefully remove the washer, tube, and
spool from the housing.

1. HOUSING
2. WASHER
3. O-RING
4. GUIDE RING
5. SPOOL
6. TUBE

STEP 4.
Install the thrust washers and thrust bearing on the
spool. Make sure the chamfer on the inner thrust
washer is next to the sleeve.

1. THRUST BEARING
2. THRUST WASHER
3. SPOOL
4. SLEEVE

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Steering Control Unit Repair 1600 SRM 671

STEP 5.
Install the spool and sleeve assembly in the housing.
Carefully rotate the spool and sleeve assembly dur-
ing installation to make sure the spool fits correctly
in the seal installed in STEP 3. Make sure the cen-
ter pin on the spool and sleeve assembly is horizontal
(parallel to the surface with the ports).

1. HOUSING
2. SPOOL AND SLEEVE ASSEMBLY

STEP 6.
Install the check ball and retainer. Make sure the re-
tainer is even with or below the surface of the hous-
ing. Lubricate the O-ring and install the O-ring and
port plate. Align the holes in the port plate with the
holes in the housing.

1. CHECK BALL RETAINER

2. O-RING
3. PORT PLATE
4. HOUSING

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Control Unit Repair

STEP 7.
Install the center shaft so that it engages with the center pin in the spool and sleeve assembly. Make sure the
center pin is still parallel to the surface with the ports. Install the rotor on the center shaft. Make sure that
a valley in the rotor aligns with the slot (center pin) in the center shaft. Install the O-ring and stator. Make
sure to align the marks made during disassembly.

1. CENTER SHAFT 4. STATOR

2. CENTER PIN 5. O-RING
3. ROTOR

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Steering Control Unit Repair 1600 SRM 671

STEP 8.
Install the spacer. Install the O-ring and the cover. Tighten the capscrews for the cover in the sequence shown
to 17 N•m (150 lbf in), then tighten them to 30 N•m (265 lbf in). Make sure the capscrew with the pin fits in
the hole for the check ball.

1. CHECK BALL 4. O-RING

2. RETAINER 5. COVER
3. CAPSCREW 6. SPACER

STEP 9.
Install the dust seal in the housing. Install the relief
valve assembly.

1. DUST SEAL
2. RELIEF VALVE ASSEMBLY

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1600 SRM 671 Steering System Air Removal

STEP 10.
Install the manifold block and O-rings on the steering
control unit. Tighten the capscrews for the manifold
block to 40 N•m (30 lbf ft).

1. MANIFOLD BLOCK
2. O-RING
3. STEERING CONTROL UNIT

WARNING
After making repairs, do not extend the hands or arms through the steering wheel. If the control
unit was not assembled correctly or the lines not connected correctly, it can rotate with a strong
force and cause injury. If this action occurs, disassemble the control unit, or check the lines to
correct the problem.

STEP 11.
Install the steering column and steering control unit on the bracket. See Figure 3. Connect the hydraulic lines
at the manifold block. Start the engine and operate the steering wheel. Check for correct operation.

Steering System Air Removal

Air can enter the system when a hydraulic line is in each direction. Air will be removed without dis-
disconnected. If the operation is rough, start engine connecting any lines. If the operation is still rough,
and rotate steering wheel stop-to-stop several times air can be entering the system at a loose fitting.

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Steering Relief Pressure Check 1600 SRM 671

Steering Relief Pressure Check

NOTE: The relief valve is in the steering control unit.
WARNING
See Steering Control Unit Repair, Assemble and In-
stall. The relief pressure is set at the factory. The adjustment screw compresses a spring.
Use caution and wear eye protection when
1. Open the door for the hydraulic compartment. adjusting the relief valve.
Connect a 0 to 21 MPa (0 to 3000 psi) gauge to
the test port. See Table 1. 4. If the relief pressure is not correct, remove the
plug and adjust the pressure by turning the
2. Start the engine. Operate the hydraulic system screw shown in STEP 9 of Steering Control Unit
until the temperature of the hydraulic oil is 55 to Repair, Assemble and Install. If you cannot
65 C (130 to 150 F). Run the engine at full throt- correctly adjust the relief pressure, replace the
tle when you check the pressure. parts of the relief valve.

3. Steer in one direction until the wheels will not 5. When the checks are complete, remove the gauge
turn farther. Keep the steering wheel fully and install the cap on the fitting.
turned and read the gauge. The correct relief
pressure is 16.5 MPa (2400 psi).

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1600 SRM 671 Steering Relief Pressure Check

Table 1. Hydraulic System Check Ports

Label for Hydraulic System Check Ports

Check Port Specification
No. 1 - Lift System Relief 23.8 to 24.5 MPa (3450 to 3550 psi) @ full throttle
No. 1 - Tilt/Aux System Relief 18.6 to 19.3 MPa (2700 to 2800 psi) @ full throttle
No. 2 - Lift System Relief 23.8 to 24.5 MPa (3450 to 3550 psi) @ full throttle
No. 2 - Steering System Relief 16.2 to 16.9 MPa (2350 to 2450 psi) @ full throttle
No. 5 - Lift System Pilot Pressure 2.8 to 3.1 MPa (400 to 450 psi) @ idle speed
No. 6 - Tilt/Auxiliary Pilot Pressure 2.8 to 3.1 MPa (400 to 450 psi) @ idle speed
No. 7 - Accumulator Charge Valve (Low) 12.1 to 12.8 MPa (1750 to 1850 psi) @ idle speed
Pressure
No. 7 - Accumulator Charge Valve (High) 16.2 to 16.9 MPa (2350 to 2450 psi) @ idle speed
Pressure
No. 8 - Parking Brake Pressure 6.0 to 6.6 MPa (875 to 925 psi) @ idle speed
Make sure oil is at operating temperature - 54 to 65 C (129 to 150 F).

17
Troubleshooting 1600 SRM 671

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE PROCEDURE OR ACTION

There is no action when the There is no oil or not enough oil in Fill the tank to the correct level.
steering wheel is turned. the hydraulic tank.

The lines are loose at the control unit Tighten fittings.

or manifold block.

The sleeve and spool in the control Repair steering control unit.
unit will not move.

Steering cylinder leaks. Repair steering cylinder.

Spacer for center pin is not installed. Assemble steering control unit cor-
rectly.

The lift truck steers slowly. The oil level is low. There is no oil in Fill the tank to the correct level.
The steering wheel is hard the tank.
to turn.

The lines to the control unit are dam- Repair oil lines.
aged.

The sleeve and spool in the control Repair steering control unit.
unit are worn.

The parts of the metering section are Repair steering control unit.
worn.

The check valve in the control unit Clean or repair steering control unit.
does not open.

The check valve or relief valve in the Clean or replace manifold block.
control unit is damaged or is not ad-
justed correctly.

Priority valve is not operating cor- Clean or repair priority valve.

rectly.

Steering relief pressure is too low. Adjust relief pressure.

Engine idle speed is too low. Adjust idle speed to specifications.

The steering wheel turns the The lines at the control unit are not Connect lines correctly.
tires in the wrong direction. correctly connected.

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1600 SRM 671 Troubleshooting

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE PROCEDURE OR ACTION

The tires continue to turn af- The neutral position springs are bro- Repair steering control unit.
ter the steering wheel stops. ken.

The sleeve or spool has damage. Repair steering control unit.

Steering wheel kicks back in Center shaft is not correctly aligned Assemble steering control unit cor-
both directions. with metering section. rectly.

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 NOTES

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 TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS

1600 SRM 671 9/03 (3/97) Printed in U.S.A.