Power Steering

[loydt]

My power steering is virtually non-existent these days. The steering is not much harder when the engine is off rather than running. I would think that more than likely the old pump is shot. What is the difference between the pump on this engine vs a Chevy 350 V8 of the same era? Price for a Mercruiser one is $350 and up and you can buy one at Auto Zone for under $100.

 

[lime4x4]

It should work. It's just a gm power steering pump.If u go the autozone way i would get the pump with resivoir

 

[Quint4]

I have heard the pulley is different...take the old assembly with you. Most times the source of hard steering is the steering cable. Remove the pin from the cable that connects it to the actuator at the transom...still hard to steer? = cable bad.

 

[loydt]

You may be right regarding the cable. I discovered there is a zerk fitting at the back transom where the steering cable connects to the steering mechanism. It says to lube with Quicksilver 24c or something like that? Is this where you would apply the lube for the entire steering cable? I wonder if that would fix the problem?

 

[loydt]

bump

 

[Redhook98]

I found out the gard way ($$$) that just because you pull the pin on your steering cable nd it turns freely, does not mean it is still not the cable. Beware. After doing this and finding the cable free and easy to turn, I replaced the pump, then the hydrolic ram assembly. Still bad. Replaced the pump again, same thing. Finally I was playing wit the cable with the pin out and put a slight presssure o the end of the cable. It then bound up in the sleve when a friend tried to turn it.

Lesson learned: if it is free when you pull the pin, try it again with a little pressure. It will not bind inside the sleeve unless you put a little pressure on it.

My .02

 

[loydt]

I am thinking about trying that steering lube kit that you can buy. It comes with a "lube nut" that I assume would be placed up at th esteering wheel end? I do wish I knew what that zerk back where the cable connects to the ram assembly was for though?

 

[BillyT0020]

The Zerk on the back of the outdrive is to grease the gimble bearing.

 

[loydt]

Oh? The zerk I am talking about is where the steering cable connects to the steering assembly back at the transom?

 

[BillyT0020]

Sorry, I havn't noticed a zerk there before. I would try greasing it and see if it helps. I'll def have to look for it next weekend.

 

[valsigplym]

I am new to the forum and need help removing the steering cable on my 1977 SRV240 305 228hp. I have removed the large nut from the outer cable. I have removed the pin at the end of what would be the inner cable. It doesn't look like the inner cable wants to come out. I could insert a socket extention from the port end- but am not sure if I will damage something.

My seloc Manual doesn't provide a part's breakdown. I am not sure I am doing this correctly and don't want to break anything.

Can someone help me?
Thanks!