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Achtfahrten

English translation: drive in figure eights

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:Achtfahrten
English translation:drive in figure eights
Entered by: jccantrell

16:18 Oct 19, 2013
German to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Automotive / Cars & Trucks / power steering
German term or phrase: Achtfahrten
Hi folks.

Doing a text on testing power steering systems. Here is the context:

Eine vollständige Entlüftung der Anlage muss sichergestellt sein. Im Zweifel durch häufige "Achtfahrten" bei Abregeldrehzahl bis in den vollen Lenkeinschlag Restluft ausspülen. Bei einer unmittelbar anschließend durchgeführten Kontrolle des Ölniveaus dürfen sich keine Luftbläschen im Lenköl befinden.

As it is in quotes in the original, I figure it is not a common term (confirmed by various searches). Now does this mean just driving in figure 8s for a while (so that you are moving the steering from side to side)?

If so, even if not, what is it and how might you say it in English?

Thanks.
jccantrell
United States
Local time: 00:31
cycling the steering back and forth
Explanation:
In my previous answer, now hidden, I assumed that the vehicle was in motion. THis article suggests that purging air from the sytem can be done with the vehicle standing still

The guys here perform exactly the test you describe on a Jeep, and the "Achtfahren" ("cycling the steering back and forth") is done with the engine running and the Jeep standing still.

My take on it is now modified to match:
"It is essential that the system is completely free of air. If in doubt, cycle the steering back and forth as far as it goes with the engine at the full revs permitted by the governor (shortly before the cut-off speed) to purge the residual air from the system. A check of the steering fluid level immediately after this test should reveal no more air bubbles in the fluid."
Selected response from:

Yorkshireman
Germany
Local time: 09:31
Grading comment
I have to say, this all put me on the right track, so I gave the points to the first answerer. I did know what they were saying but this word was new to me. I found this:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0810_americas_best_handling_car_contenders_instrument_tests/photo_31.html

So I went with "Figure eight" in some form or another. It was unclear to me whether this context was in motion or not, but the '..fahrten' moved me (pun intended) in that direction.
Thanks all.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +1turning the steering wheel lock to lock (several times)
Uta Kappler
4cycling the steering back and forth
Yorkshireman


Discussion entries: 5





  

Answers


5 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
cycling the steering back and forth


Explanation:
In my previous answer, now hidden, I assumed that the vehicle was in motion. THis article suggests that purging air from the sytem can be done with the vehicle standing still

The guys here perform exactly the test you describe on a Jeep, and the "Achtfahren" ("cycling the steering back and forth") is done with the engine running and the Jeep standing still.

My take on it is now modified to match:
"It is essential that the system is completely free of air. If in doubt, cycle the steering back and forth as far as it goes with the engine at the full revs permitted by the governor (shortly before the cut-off speed) to purge the residual air from the system. A check of the steering fluid level immediately after this test should reveal no more air bubbles in the fluid."

Example sentence(s):
  • I started the vehicle and let it run while cycling the steering back and forth with Ted watching for leaks. We checked for leaks at the reservoir pressure and return, at the steering pump where the pressure and return lines connect, and the pump itself.
  • I topped up the reservoir, started the Jeep and ran the steering back and forth some more. I shut off the Jeep and checked the fluid. There were no bubbles and the fluid was staying up.

    Reference: http://tinyurl.com/nwm8eq7
Yorkshireman
Germany
Local time: 09:31
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 39
Grading comment
I have to say, this all put me on the right track, so I gave the points to the first answerer. I did know what they were saying but this word was new to me. I found this:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0810_americas_best_handling_car_contenders_instrument_tests/photo_31.html

So I went with "Figure eight" in some form or another. It was unclear to me whether this context was in motion or not, but the '..fahrten' moved me (pun intended) in that direction.
Thanks all.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 day 4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
turning the steering wheel lock to lock (several times)


Explanation:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairguides/Ford-Focus-200...

http://www.arcreman.com/attachments/File/Technical_Informati...

Uta Kappler
United States
Local time: 01:31
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 17

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Richard Stephen
9 hrs
  -> Thank you so much Richard!
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