Rusted U-Joints?

[rewi9d]

89 omc cobra

It sat for a few years winterized. Engine and drive run fine on muffs. tilt works fine on muffs and running. But steering is hard and it only turns a little at a time in small jumpy amounts. Is it a steering issue? (hydraulic) or a u-joint problem? and how can i check?

it would lead me to belive the ujoints are ok because the drive runs ok and it moves up and down without the same issue as side to side.

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Rusted U-Joints?

well if the U joints are rusty then they problably need to replaced much less greesed.

have you pulled the drive off?

 

[cr2k]

Re: Rusted U-Joints?

Check out the power steering fluid level.
Check out the power steering belt tension.

 

[maxxman04]

Re: Rusted U-Joints?

maybe pull steering cable, at least off stern end, see if it moves freely.

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Rusted U-Joints?

What kind of rust are we talking about? Surface rust or deep penetrating rust?

 

[gadget73]

Re: Rusted U-Joints?

Bad U joints would tend to make noise, it wouldn't really affect the steering feel, unless maybe you were getting a shuddering feel in the wheel as the joints bound up. A pivot housing needing grease would do that, low PS fluid, loose belt, etc could all make for stiff steering tho.

 

[rewi9d]

Re: Rusted U-Joints?

Haven't pulled drive off. More work than I'm looking to do i think. Don't know if they are rusty just wondering if that could be the cause.

steering fluid was actually overfilled so i pumped some out. Didn't seem to change anything though, still has shuddering feel. goin to check cable next.