Power steering stiff. Any way to lube it?

[Leardriver]

2005 Sea Ray sundeck, low enough hours that it has probably sat too much.

The steering is stiff. I flushed the PS pump reservoir by sucking out all fluid in the pump reservoir with my sacrificial shop vac, the one I use only for oil, brake fluid, and nasty stuff.

I add new synthetic Power steering fluid, started the engine and turned the wheel lock to lock each way a couple of times, to distribute the new fluid, then drained it all again and topped off with the new stuff.

I have lubricated the exposed steering ram in the back of the engine compartment. It looks fine. The pump isn't squealing, it all looks fine, just too much effort at the wheel to turn the drive.

So, is there a bearing under the steering wheel? A hidden grease zirk that I can't fine? What am I missing?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Steve Craig]

Could be a grain of dirt/sand got into the reservoir. Acting just like the pressure relief valve isn't closing. Easy to get it off & clean/rinse on a bench ?

 

[Leardriver]

I found some threads where the steering cable end rod gets a little crusty where it goes through the actuator, so I removed and lubed that. Maybe I got lucky and fixed it. I will lake test and report back in case it helps other.