Problem with the steering

[vettnman]

I sure am glad I took my little warmup out on the lake yesterday. The steering got gradually worse yesterday to the point that it felt like when the power steering goes out in your car. Checked the seastar fluid level today and it's full. Any ideas what might be going on? Twin engine setup, and full of seastar steering fluid. Thx in advance

[Daddy'O]

Air in the lines?

Wayne

[Capt. Fred]

Did you hear any gurgle type noises while steering? I did have hydraulic steering lock up on me one time but it was low on oil and I could hear it when steering before it locked up. When I opened the cap on the top of the helm it actually showed full but as I wiggled the wheel it bubbled oil out all over the place. It is really easy to bleed if you've got help. You can download the instructions off of their website. I'd start with that.

[blueh20pc]

Yes, to need to bleed the air at the rams (on the motors). Do you have one ram or twin?

Also, good time to mention this, but a small plastic ammo can full of tools is invaluable on the boat.

[vettnman]

Not sure how to bleed the lines. When I took the cap off at the helm, she was so full, there was a little bit of fluid coming off as I was unscrewing the cap. Also, how would air get into the lines??

[blueh20pc]

Originally Posted by vettnman

Not sure how to bleed the lines. When I took the cap off at the helm, she was so full, there was a little bit of fluid coming off as I was unscrewing the cap. Also, how would air get into the lines??

Basically, to bleed the system in a single ram system (which is what I have), you turn lock to lock three times, then finish your turn and leave it at full lock.

On the sides of the rams are bleeders screws, usually facing the stern at the end of the cylinder (ram). While at full lock, with someone holding pressure on the wheel hard over, you open the side you're turned too, and let some fluid and hopefully air escape, then tighten the bleeder back up. Turn hard over to the other side, and repeat. Repaet again and again, periodically checking the fluid level at the helm and refilling as nescessary.

Just like a hydraulic brake system.

Air would be present if it wasn't bleed properly during install, or if you have a leak somewhere.

[offshore]

Dave go to the seastar site you can print out the instructions....mark

[vettnman]

Mark, do you have a link. I'm having trouble finding it. Thx

[Capt. Fred]

Teleflex Marine

That will get you close. You'll need to dig around depending on what system you've got. It really is easy to bleed I had to do mine this spring. I needed to replace a part and then had to bleed it. Took maybe 10 minutes following the directions.

[offshore]

Here ya go filling and purging

Teleflex Marine