Power steering stiff

[frostt51]

I have a 1998 Sea ray 280 Sunsport with a 7.4 mpi/Bravo 3 and the power steering is stiff in both directions. The mechanic replaced the actuator which made a slight improvement but it still seems to be operating a 50%. Any suggestions?

 

[hanger505]

I had the same problem with my power steering in my '98 7.4L. I took the power steering pump off the engine and took it to carquest, they rebuilt it for about $30 and fixed the steering became smooth again. There was a lot of crud built up in the pump and the mechanic told me to install a filter on the low pressure line, but still have not gotten to it yet:smt009

 

[WaterDoc]

How did you know it was the power steering pump?

 

[hanger505]

I was in your exact position. I had replaced the actuator with little improvement. I then disconnected the steering cable from the actuator to test the resistance in the cable, which turned out to be fine. The process of elimination took me to the pump.