Power steering, fix it or remove it?

[rb437]

Getting the boat ready for the season and I noticed the power steering pump resivoir was very low on fluid. I added fluid, and started the boat and started looking for leaks. Found the hydraulic cylinder leaking. Appears to have rusted through. It looks like a pretty simple replacement if I wanted to spend the money (but I don't). What do you guys think? Do I really need it? I guess I could take the belt off the pump and run it without and see what it feels like.

[willy]

Rick not sure of your set up, but if it is an older power steering set up with a pto and pump on the engine with a belt you are going to find it a bear to steer without it. Different ratio (gearing) on them.

[spareparts]

assuming its a Mercruiser, replaceing that cylinder isn't too bad( its not that easy either), but parts are getting scarce and expensive for teh old saginaw type units, teh later style( identified by not having any external steel lines) will swap in, and I've seen those for $100-$250 from some of the salvage shops

[rb437]

Yes it's Mercruiser Alpha 1. Any one have a good source for the updated version at a good price.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00039.jpg

[THEFERMANATOR]

I've seen them go on E-bay for under $50. You'll also have to go with new style lines(or find an adapter) if you go with the updated ram.

[rb437]

I bet I'll have to do the lines regardless. As you can see from the picture they're kinda rusty.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Here's 2 on E-bay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercruiser-Volvo-Inboard-Outboard-Power-Steering-Ram_W0QQitemZ230119192927QQihZ013QQcategoryZ31283Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercruiser-Power-Steering-Kit-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ230118580686QQihZ013QQcategoryZ124104 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And here's a new old style ram.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercruiser-Power-Steering-Saginaw-Style_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ31283QQihZ004QQit emZ140070969682QQrdZ1

[rb437]

Thanks Therm, This one is same as what I have. A little more money than the others but should install with no mods.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercruiser-Power-Steering-Saginaw-Style_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ31283QQihZ004QQit emZ140070969682QQrdZ1

So I just called them on the phone and ordered one. Should be here Thursday. E-bay listing allowed you to make an offer so I asked for a better price on the phone. Bought it for $125.00 plus $14.00 UPS MI to MD. They said they had a few of them because they were leftover new stock from a SeaRay dealer they took over. If all goes well there will be pictures of the installation to post by this weekend.

Hey Spareparts or anyone else got any tips, tricks or warnings on the install on this? I'd be happy to learn from your experiance rather than learn the hard way.

[THEFERMANATOR]

I just changed the one in my SEARAY project earlier today(sorry no pics today), pretty straight forward job. Be careful taking the lines off if there rusty though.

[rb437]

Step 1 of steering cylinder replacement done. soaked all the rusty fittings with PB blaster while waiting for new part to arrive. Expecting it to arrive tomorrow.

[Stillrunning]

I just changed the one in my SEARAY project earlier today(sorry no pics today), pretty straight forward job. Be careful taking the lines off if there rusty though.
I don't know why but it takes me 100 times longer to read your post.

[THEFERMANATOR]

I don't know why but it takes me 100 times longer to read your post.
Distracting, aint they ;D.

[rb437]

The new steering gear is here! Installation starts tomorrow

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00046.jpgart

[rb437]

So here it is, in this first shot you can see the old steering gear
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00039-1.jpg

In this shot the rust on the outside of the hydraulic cylinder is visible, this is where the unit was leaking from.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00047.jpg

I had difficulty removing the lines because the fittings were rusted to the lines so the entire line/hose assembly wanted to turn. I was able to get the fittings loose from the steering unit, so disconnected the line/hoses at the pump and the power steering cooler to allow the entire line/hose assembly to turn rather than twist the rusted fitting off.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00049.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00048.jpg

And here the steering unit is completely removed
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00052.jpg

And the new one installed. I attached the lines to the unit before installation so I had room to turn the entire line with out breaking it. The line to the cooler goes off at an odd angle now but is plenty long enough to allow for change in the routing. Filled it up, ran it, bled it, no leaks, Fixed, total cost $140.00. Now on to the water pump
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s179/rb437/DSC00053.jpg

[Airslot]

Pretty work. Your back in bizness now ;D

[rb437]

Not quite, water pump in lower unit quit while I was finishing testing the steering. I was planning on doing the pump soon, now it looks like that'll be tomorrows project.

Anyone know what size allen wrench I need to remove the trim tab anode? All I know is it's bigger than the one I have (1/4")

[Airslot]

I think we recently determined it was 3/8", C Yensen had the post about that not long ago.