Hydraulic Steering tight

[tmitchell5188]

I have a twin outboard set up. I have merc 175's. My streering is very tight. The fluid is topped off, but it is still hard to turn. It takes 2 hands to turn this 25' boat. It seems too tight.

Any ideas?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

disconnect from motor, see if the motors turn freely, when were they last greased.

 

[tmitchell5188]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

Thanks. I don't know when the motors were last greased. I'll have to see how to disconnect them from the steering. I wonder if there is an adjustment on the outboards to lock them down tighter?

 

[tmitchell5188]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

I looked through some documents, and I found where the steering should be filled fully retracted. I added fluid before , but not with it retracted. I might have created a hydraulic lock condition. I'll have to check this out this week.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

Maybe if you tell us what type of steering system this is, someone might be able to narrow it down a tad bit.

 

[tmitchell5188]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

I'll write down the exact number the next time I'm on the boat. My boat is a 1996 Bayliner Trophy, and I think it's a teleflex.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

What kind of fluid are you using? Many will use ATF rather than the fluid specific for hyd steering. That can come into play but not to the extent you describe.

 

[tmitchell5188]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

I'm sure it was power steering fluid. I don't remember the brand that I used.

 

[tmitchell5188]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

OK, I called Bayliner today, and they told me that would of been a Teleflex Seastar system. I looked on their web site, and that's my unit, but their web site isn't working for me to download the instructions. I see in one photo that there is a bleed screw. I might pick up some new oil and try to add it.

Then I'll try removing my autopilot, etc. Work my way through the system.

 

[tmitchell5188]

Re: Hydraulic Steering tight

Update: I flushed the lines and pulled the autopilot. It was the problem. I upgraded to a Raymarine S1 system, and what a world of difference. The only problem that I had was Teleflex only put 4 compression nuts in the kit that I had to buy for it. I needed 6. Good thing they used the regular fittings. I was able to get them at home depot pretty cheap. I tried calling teleflex, but they never returned my calls.