Steering lockup

[ric992]

Hi, my steering seems to lock up sometimes after turning all the way starboard. If I jiggle the wheel it will free up and act normal. I first noticed a week ago. A mechanic that looked said it was helm unit, now he said could be o rings in pump. He hasn't done anything yet. Has anyone else had this issue. When it locks it feels as if you had turned all the way in one direction for a second or 2 and then release as if it never happened. It has done it 3 times in the past week. Thanks!

 

[Riptide III]

Yes my friend has a late model 30ish foot. It does the same thing. He is new at boating and it has caused panic in a few cases. I’ll bet there are a lot of affected sea rays.

 

[ric992]

Hi, I have just found out there is a recall on the pump. Boats that typically drive at low speeds or turn rudder to limit see problems. I have sent serial number to seastar and they are sending a rebuild kit for pump. I'm not exactly sure what is coming in kit but we will see.

 

[techmitch]

Hi, I have just found out there is a recall on the pump. Boats that typically drive at low speeds or turn rudder to limit see problems. I have sent serial number to seastar and they are sending a rebuild kit for pump. I'm not exactly sure what is coming in kit but we will see.

@Riptide III

 

[ric992]

Now the tech said it is not the power assist. They say it is the helm that needs to be replaced. Almost 900.00 part so I hope it fixes it

 

[TNT8808]

Now the tech said it is not the power assist. They say it is the helm that needs to be replaced. Almost 900.00 part so I hope it fixes it

What do you mean by "helm"? Are you referring to the SeaStar tilt mechanism?

 

[ric992]

Yes

 

[TNT8808]

Got it. I replaced this a couple years ago. $300 or less. P/N HA6523 You can purchase on Amazon, or Seatech Marine for a little less. Takes less than an hour to replace.

-Tom

 

[ric992]

Ok awesome thank you

 

[ocgrant]

You talking about the pump or the tilt mech?

 

[ric992]

They are saying the tilt mechanism. The power assist does not fall under recall

 

[ocgrant]

Yep replaced mine soon after I got the boat. New one is much better.

 

[ric992]

They look more modern for sure! Why did you replace and what is the difference you noticed??

 

[ocgrant]

clicking and squeaky....