Loss of steering

[cnash]

My friend just got a 1974 IMP with a 225hp OMC Stern Drive.<br />When she was out driving it, she started to accelerate and was turning and there was a loud grinding noise coming from the back end. Suddenly she couldn't hardly turn the steering wheel right or left. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should look for first?

 

[12Footer]

Re: Loss of steering

The loud grinding noise, was it like an injured dog? Like a mournfull howl? It ran out of hydraulic if it did,which means a seal is leaking.<br />This is not a job for the average wrench. You'll need some special tools. I've used the services of a local shop which specialises in hydraulic systems, mostly those on backhoes and dump trucks.<br />It wouldn't hurt to get an estimate.

 

[cnash]

Re: Loss of steering

Thanks 12Footer. I replaced a rack and pinion in my Thunderbird that had the exact same problem...I'm afraid a boat is a little out of my field though...guess I'll find out when I go check it out tomorrow. Thanks for the input.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Loss of steering

If you have done that to your car,you should have no problems with hydro steering and trim setups,as long as you have the shop manual.<br />Rack and pinion systems are no fun. Kinda like cv joints. Both jobs I tend to avoid in my old age