SEASTAR steering system clunking

A

Arl798

New Member
Feb 26, 2011
181
Saskatchewan Canada / Key West Florida
Boat Info
400 Sea Ray Sedan Bridge
Engines
Twin Cat 3116
Hey guys and girls.

I have read through many steering issues on the forum but none the exact same as mine.

Here is my issue.

While at the dock or underway my Seastar steering system does a click/clunk when I turn the wheel. Its a feeling not an actual noise. It only does it in one spot and its always the same spot no matter what tilt angle the steering wheel is at. Fluid is full so no leaks going on.

Boat is in Mexico and I can't really troubleshoot it from Canada. Gonna be crossing the Gulf in a few weeks to Florida so I want to arrive at the boat armed with proper parts if need be or at least confidence it's not something major.

Thk you in advance.

Andrew Larocque
"University Dropout"
400 Sedan bridge
 
Could be the pump going bad. You say the fluid is full, has it been bled? If there is air in the system it can cause issues. The bleed procedure is in the manual.
 
Hasn't been bled yet. It's been like this for a while but didn't think much of it until now when I want to make a Gulf crossing. Do these pumps typically go bad? There really isn't any loose spots so I didn't suspect air. I guess it can't hurt to try and bleed it...Just don't wanna make it worse haha
 
Mine does this and also has a lot of play in the steering. it is because the tilt helm is worn out. The parts are not available, but you can purchase a new tilt helm pretty cheap. There is a cast aluminum hub in the tilt helm that rides on two carbon blocks and together they act like a universal joint. The problem is that they are cheapo parts and wear out. It's not going to fail, just be sloppy. If you engage your autopilot, which disconnects the steering wheel from the steering system, and you can still feel this click and clunk, it might be the same problem I have. Here are a couple of pictures of the parts and the associated wear.

image.jpg

image.jpg

Hope this helps.

Pete
 
Thx so much I'll have the mechanic check it tomorrow when's aboard. Feeling a little more optimistic. If you have part numbers you would be my hero.


peterkvs said:
Mine does this and also has a lot of play in the steering. it is because the tilt helm is worn out. The parts are not available, but you can purchase a new tilt helm pretty cheap. There is a cast aluminum hub in the tilt helm that rides on two carbon blocks and together they act like a universal joint. The problem is that they are cheapo parts and wear out. It's not going to fail, just be sloppy. If you engage your autopilot, which disconnects the steering wheel from the steering system, and you can still feel this click and clunk, it might be the same problem I have. Here are a couple of pictures of the parts and the associated wear.

View attachment 34735

View attachment 34736

Hope this helps.

Pete
Click to expand...
 
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