Steering system opinions needed, all comments welcomed

[zekester]

1990 EC310, inboards...the rack and pinion system currently in place has had the biscuit, there is too much play, and it can't be adjusted. I've looked into hydraulic replacements, but...do I need power assist? Is a standard hydraulic system good enough?

I need tons of opinions here, those of you that run hydraulics without power, to control rudders...are you happy with the system? any play? What say the masses?

 

[zekester]

C'mon, surely there is someone out there that has had a stock rack and pinion, and replaced it...or has hydraulic non-power steering, that can tell me pros and cons...

or...does everyone have power steering?

 

[Paladin]

C'mon, surely there is someone out there that has had a stock rack and pinion, and replaced it...or has hydraulic non-power steering, that can tell me pros and cons...

or...does everyone have power steering?

I won't be much help here, but it's a response at least. I have hydraulic and power also. So there are two "rams" one for the power steering and one for the hydraulic system. Mine works ok, but not great. It's an "81 255 sedan, with one engine (454). It's I/O though, not inboard. I have two helms. The hydraulic system seemed to have been underbuilt maybe, because the ram for the hydraulic kind of swings around some, and the steering is sort of stiff with flat spots here and there. I'd be interested to know how you figure yours out, as mine might need an upgrade sooner or later.

 

[zekester]

I'm leaning towards a non power teleflex helm unit, with a teleflex ram...if it still sucks, I can add the power pack to that system...hopefully i don't have to go that far....

 

[Paladin]

good luck to you. Interested to see how it turns out.