Power steering problem

[KWR]

1997 Merc. 5.7L EFI Alpha with power steering & 1998 O/D. Leak from P/S pump hose 2 years ago. Tightened hose clamp and added Dexron III. Last year P/S didn't always seem to be working normally. End of Oct 2004 steering was really stiff. With eng. off it took 2 hands and plenty of muscle just to turn wheel. P/S control unit has no grease fittings. I have always regularly greased the three fittings on the O/D. [/LIST]

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Power steering problem

Try disconnecting the steering cable at the transom and see if the wheel is still hard to turn. Sounds like your cable may be the problem. While the cable is disconnected see if the outdrive turns easily by hand from outside the boat.

 

[KWR]

Re: Power steering problem

With O/D centered, I unscrewed lock nut holding steering cable to C/U. Was now able to turn wheel full right. Unable to turn left. Small dia. rod extending from cable came part way out of the C/U. It actually pushed the entire cable away from the C/U. I guess I've got a jammed up cable.Went outside boat, sat on swim platform and tried pushing O/D left and right with my foot. It wouldn't budge in either direction. My boat is a 24' 1977 AMF Crestliner. New eng and O/D installed in Dec 1997. Could there also be a hyd. lock in the C/U? Boat is on a boat lift in MD. OAT today 30 deg. Some other info:<br /><br /> 5.7L M/C 1997 eng. #OK 279051<br /> 1998 O/D #OL 106370<br /> powr steering C/U part #806034A1<br />I guess I need a new cable. How is it attached to C/U? Thanks for your help.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Power steering problem

hello<br /> its normal not to be able to move the OD with the engine off with a power steering unit. the power steering is not designed to accept torque inputs. would kinda defeat the purpose.<br /> but the cable should move freely both left and right when disconnected from the tiller.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Power steering problem

If by "C/U" you mean the helm or steering wheel, it is normal for the cable to be pushed away from the helm when you disconnect the locknut and then turn the wheel. I meant to suggest that you disconnect the cable back at the tiller. The outdrive should move freely then - power assisted steering or not. As Rodbolt mentions, if your steering wheel is still hard to turn when disconnected at the tiller, then you have a cable that's in a bind.

 

[Don S]

Re: Power steering problem

The cable end is stainless and the tube through the power steering cylinder is aluminum. Those things corrode in no time and lock up if not lubed periodically. May take some heat, but you have to remove the cable and clean the corrosion out of the tube and start lubing it.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Power steering problem

Mercury has a 101 lube to lube the cable where it goes thru the rear connection they had alot of trouble with the cables gauling at the tube, that maybe your problem

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Power steering problem

funny how no one seems to notice the manual says "lubricate once a year"

 

[Don S]

Re: Power steering problem

Nobody reads manuals.........that's for complete idiots.<br /><br />Oh, BTW, I am a complete idiot.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering problem

Oh, BTW, I am a complete idiot.

If You're Trying to Start an Arguement,...........<br /><br />It Ain't Gonna Work....................................................

 

[cuzner]

Re: Power steering problem

If all fails you read the manual...... <br /><br /> Jim

 

[KWR]

Re: Power steering problem

Applied some heat to the Power Steering Control Unit. Was then able to muscle (needed both hands) the steering wheel so as to fully extend the shift cable end from the PSCU. Because of the cold temp. I guess the thing had become completely jammed. Cleaned off the crud and spread on the "101 stuff". I can now easily move the wheel in both directions with one hand. Thank's for all the help guys.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Power steering problem

just remember to lubricate it every now and then.