A big hello and a power steering question.

[mark guthrie]

I just discovered this forum while searching for an answer to my power steering problem.

I just moved to St. Pete, FL...live on the water...with a dock and lift in my backyard on to Tampa Bay. Sometimes I have to pinch myself.

I use my Searay Bowrider more than ever now, but the use and the salt have been tough on her already. Lots of extra maint.

Today, just after replacing the hydraulic pump, went to take her for a spin and the steering is frozen. Their is fluid, belt is tight. I don't hear a sound like it is engaging, it is like the steering mech is frozen.

I did spray some anti-rust on the arm. Then I discovered it lays down a protective film. I am thinking that may be the culprit.

UPDATE:
I have started looking into the problem, unfortunately the problem still persists, here is what I have done/noticed:
- PS fluid is okay
- even though I sprayed the anti-rust on the arms, they don't seem to be that bad, I have doused them now a couple of times with WD40
- I can get about one revolution of the streering wheel, but it is stiff from the start, could muscle more but I am afraid I might strain a cable
- I have lifted the outdrive, no change
- I've turned the steering wheel both ways, with engine running, 50 or so times, until it stops...about 1/2 turn in each direction
- If i can to guess, I am thinking the steering mech is stuck, not allowing the PS unit to even sense that it should be sending power. Also, a guess here, but I am thinking the PS unit senses the wheel is being turned and when it does, delivers power.

Any ideas for what to try?

Mark
1988 Searay Seville Bowrider I/O MercCruiser v6

 

[Lazy Daze]

Please out your signature. Depending on exactly what you have, that will determine the help/advice you get.

 

[mark guthrie]

Sorry, guess I forgot to include this:
Mark
1988 Searay Seaville Bowrider,
V-6 Merc
St. Pete, FL

 

[mark guthrie]

Any ideas?

 

[Knotty Buoy]

The power steering is actuated by the force on the drive tiller pushing the cable mount/actuator in the opposite direction. I would disconnect the steering cable from the tiller and push the actuator (the point where the cable is mounted to the PS ram) in both directions and see if the ram drives the leg from one lock to the other (You'll need to have the engine running so a bit of care required). While the cable is diconnected from the tiller rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock to verify that it moves ok. that will isolate your problem to one end or the other. There is a possibility that the UJs are seized. You should be able to move the drive without the engine running without undue effort.:grin::grin: