Steering Issues

[Sea Ray]

I have a 1999 Sea Ray BR 210 with a 5.0L EFI Mercruiser and Bravo 3 outdrive.

I have noticed that the steering has gotten harder to turn, especially to the right. I have topped off the power steering fluid and checked the belt tension, this was little to no help.

I also googled it and found this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...-is-very-stiff

I have pulled the cable out as discussed in the thread but it really didn't seem like anything was sticking or hanging up. It was definitely easier to turn then with it connected, but it would not just spin on its own. If the boat steered like this, it would be fine. I am not sure how the power steering would overcome the resistance of turning everything - if it would be easier or harder than this once it was hooked back up if all was normal???

I have read about bleeding the system but I don't see bleed screws any where.

Any advice or tips on what I should look at next?

The boat has never been in salt water and is stored indoors year round.

Thanks in advance

 

[Pete104]

Replace the entire steering system from the helm back. You can keep the wheel if you like it. But pushing 20 years, you might think about updating.
You didn't notice any difference because you aren't connected to "assisted" steering. Power steering isn't there to make the cable last forever.