'99 180 br power steering issue

[Brando86]

I have a '99 180 bow rider with the 3.0 merc/alpha 1. The boat steers fine when not under load, such as when you are not in the throttle much at all. When I lay into the throttle to get speed, the steering wheel wants to pull hard to the left from the torque, but after the boat planes out the steering is just difficult to turn, and doesnt pull one way or the other. In order to turn easily, I have to let off the throttle for a second then get back in while turning during the short time the throttle is down.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? I have not replaced the steering cable and believe it to the be original, but that doesnt sound like the problem.

Thanks:thumbsup:

 

[Brando86]

I did forget to note that the power steering cylinder on the back of the engine is making a squeeking noise, and appears to need a greasing. Would that be enough to make the steering better?

 

[ataylor32]

I have the exact same problem with my '88 Sorrento 23. Pulls hard to the left, have to take throttle down to turn it to the right. Anybody have any help with this one?

 

[blaster]

Check the belt for the power steering pump. Is it loose? Is there enough fluid?