Power Steering / Steering Cable Issue

[1stSeaRay]

The steering on my 260DA has been stiff since I bought it last season. It requires nearly as much effort (95%) to turn the wheel with the engine on vs engine off. I've finally worked my way down the "to do" list to this item, and am having some trouble pinpointing the cause of the problem.

I've searched the forum and read many of the threads about stiff steering. Seeing that most of the issues are usually related to a bad steering cable this is the first thing I checked. When the pin is removed that attaches the cable to the clevis (bracket at the end of the steering ram) the wheel turns lock-to-lock freely and smoothly. Having read some of the threads on this subject, I tried applying some pressure to the cable to see if I could make it bind, I tried pushing and pulling, both in the direction of travel and at 90º, while it did require slightly more effort to turn with the pressure applied to the end of the cable, I was unable to duplicate the same heavy feeling as when the cable is connected.

The fluid in the pump is at the correct level, however I don't see any movement of the fluid with the engine at idle, in addition I don't hear any pump noise or see any fluid movement as the wheel is turned. According the system diagram in the service manual, the system circulates fluid between the pump, control valve, and PS cooler even when in a neutral position so I'd expect to see at least a little swirl in the fluid at all times.

I hate to start throwing parts at it, any additional troubleshooting ideas to help diagnose the issue would be much appreciated.

 

[1stSeaRay]

If my understanding of the system is correct, the cable guide (red arrow below) moves slightly port and starboard to pass high pressure fluid to the correct side of the steering ram.

Moving this cable guide (both by hand as well as by turning the wheel) results in NO movement of the steering ram.

I'm leaning towards replacing the control valve / ram assembly but I'd really like second opinion before I jump in....its sure to be a messy job as it will require the PS system to be drained.

 

[95290]

I had a 220 Sundancer with the same problem, the cable was bad. you have to move the cable to excite the power steering. Replace the cable, problem solved. JMIHO

 

[1stSeaRay]

I finally had a chance to really dig into this issue. Further troubleshooting revealed that the control valve was working, with the cable removed from the tube I was able to move the control valve in both directions by hand and it actuated the steering ram in both directions. As I posted previously there was no stiffness or binding at the wheel with the cable disconnected but as the rest of the system seemed to be OK I decided to replace it.

It was a fairly simple job, the hardest part was digging out all the silicone in hole where the cable passes through the forward bulkhead in the bilge. I was able to remove the cubby/cupholder at the helm as well and the floor panel in the cabinet under the sink in the cockpit to allow access to the entire length of the cable so fishing the old one out and the new one in was only about a 30 minute process working by myself.

Of course between digging out the old silicone and replacing it (about 1.5 tubes worth) and R&R of all the panels to get access I spent another 3+ hours on the project. Time well spent as it is now much easier to maneuver around the dock.

My forearms look like I got in a fight with a mountain lion from all the zip ties in the bilge. Those cut ends are sharp!

 

[cvb]

hello, I have a 2002 Sundeck 210 that I need to replace the steering cable on because of your same symptoms. I found the Sea Ray OEM part number from SeaRay.com online parts manual and it is "1091842 STEERING, BACK MNT RACK/CABLE 15.0' ASSY"

How can I find one of these for purchase online. I can't figure out a conversion/cross-over number for Teleflex or other. How did you find your replacement cable? Where did you get it? THanks!

 

[1stSeaRay]

The teleflex part number is on the cable, it should be stamped on the jacket every couple of feet. I had to crawl to the back of e bilge with a flashlight to find a section where I could read it.

I don't remember exactly where I bought it but I believe I just did a google search for the part number.

 

[cvb]

Great. I will stick my head back there and yell out the numbers to my wife. Funny how a boat tests the marriage constantly!!

 

[speakrdude]

So do you have good power steering while up on plane? (high RPMS's)
My symptoms are stiff steering at low speeds, sometimes seems to "break free" and steer easy, then back to stiff, but on plane, easy sneezy, lemon squeezie steering.

 

[cvb]

Steering is terribly stiff no matter what.