Yes, the trans/power steering fluid level is checked with the dipstick behind the upright on top of the differential. Use Dextron 3, not the new synthetic Dextron. Check running/warm in neutral.

As far as bleeding- once the fluid level is correct the system should self bleed- just slightly turn the steering wheel left to right repeatedly until you can feel the power assist coming back. You may have to increase the engine rpm initially, but do this sparingly because, as I previously mentioned, you can ruin the P/S pump if it's run dry for a period of time.

Hi bb forks thanks for the reply

Yes steering was fine before hose split,but since then it has never worked.where would be the best place to bleed the system on the machine.there seems to be filling point and dip stick on front axle behind mast is this the right place to check for trans fluid ??

Again thanks for your help

Did you have full power to the steering before the hose replacement? Sounds like the system may be air bound or low on fluid. Did you check the fluid level (the C500 series uses ATF fluid pulled from the trans). The P/S pump is on the left side (as seated) of the engine- running the system without proper fluid running thru it will destroy the pump.

You didn't say what year but if its an older truck with mechanical linkage going to the steer cylinder, it sounds like the spool valve is stuck in the cylinder. Very old truck may have the power steering pump mounted on the back of the generator. Make sure the generator is driving the pump. These couplings were known to wear out. If its a newer version with only hoses going to the cylinder check the pressure at the steering unit and see whats going in, then check to see whats coming out to the cylinder.