Hyd Steering

tlb888 · #1 12-05-2005, 01:18 AM

Had a little issue on the water today and need some advice, which I am sure I can get here. Steering worked fine and started getting stiffer as the morning went on and got to where you could barely turn it. Limped it back to the ramp. I checked everywhere I could see at the time for a leaking line but haven't found it yet? What kind of fluid does it take and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. By the way we did get our limit of 6 fish so it was still a good day.

reelapeelin · #2 12-05-2005, 11:35 AM

Didja check the fluid reservoir?...that's where to tell if you're losin' fluid or not, unless there's an obvious leak in the fittings or lines...check out the helm itself, particularly in the back behind the dash...look at fittings and lines there. It's a hydraulic system so I would think any quality hydraulic fluid would do, however if it were me, I'd follow manufacturer's recommendations on that...

Although it probably IS a low fluid issue, check out anything that moves while turning the steering...are there any fittings that require lube (grease) from time to time...good luck w/it and let us know the outcome... ;)...

Oh yeah, how old a system?...hydraulic ram at the motor may need rebuild (O-Rings) or, again the helm may need attention if old, well-used system...follow lines to check for ''pinched-off'' places...Murphy's Law prevails on boats, ya know... :) ::)...

macojoe · #3 12-05-2005, 12:26 PM

if its leaking fix it!! and if its not then the pump is dead. theres not to much to look at so it shoulkd be easy anought to find.

tlb888 · #4 12-05-2005, 02:53 PM

RP, It is a low fluid problem, I just can't find where it is leaking from or what to replace the fluid with to try and find the source of the leak. I can access pretty much all of both lines by taking out the inset in the gunwhale. Am going to Iowa deer hunting for 2 weeks so I will tear it apart when I get back. Thanks for the advice.

tlb888 · #5 12-06-2005, 10:10 PM

I checked it out today and I have sea star 1.7 helm steering by teleflex. Hoses are $85 if a leak is all it is. I just hope I didn't do any damage to the cylinder or reservior getting it back to the ramp that stuuf looks pretty expensive.

Skools Out · #6 12-07-2005, 01:52 AM

look on ebay there is a guy that sells new hose's for that system for $15 to $20.