Steering Noise?

[smiles16]

Just bought a very nice 1986 Ebbtide Catalina 190 XL with a Mercruiser 5.0 Alpha 1.

The only issue it has is a growl when turning hard over at low or no speed. When straight ahead or soft turning, nothing sounds out of the ordinary. No sounds on muffs either.

From what I've read, this is a classic gimbal bearing symptom. However, the service history/receipts show lower unit R&R with bellows replacement a year or so ago. I'm having a hard time believing a mechanic went through all this and didn't check the the gimbal. Oh did I mention it had a gimbal replaced in '13?

This is the first boat I've owned with power steering as well. Could the sound be coming from a pump or is it normal?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Is the P/S pump full of fluid,..??

 

[thumpar]

It is not hard to pull the drive and check. It could be the U-joints too.

 

[smiles16]

I'll be checking out this weekend hopefully, just looking to get some direction.

I also have a fuel leak at the carb inlet. Is there a diagram around? It's a 230 4bbl. I'm wondering if there's an o ring missing.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Sounds like u-joints to me.

Could have a Roc or a Holley in 86. Here's the manual page for the holley and for the roc

 

[smiles16]

Thanks Rick!

I'll be investigating the cause this weekend (hopefully) and will update after. What should I be looking for in u-joints? Same as a Car/truck? If I do need to change them, can I use the old Socket and C-Clamp method?

I know how to inspect a gimbal, but I am really suspecting something in the power steering as Bondo suggested (given the service history docs).

 

[Rick Stephens]

I use a ball joint press, so yeah, same same - no difference from automotive ujoints. I'll put a dollar on that being the problem :^)

Rick

 

[smiles16]

Well I got a chance after work to go pick around at it. Due to low temps this week have to leave the plugs out, so can't verify....BUT, pulled the power steering dipstick and she's bone dry. Shined a flashlight down in it and cant see any fluid at all in the res either.

 

[smiles16]

Just noticed I never updated this post. Y'all were right... again. Gimbal bearing was toasted as well as rusty ujoints. Already replaced them and investigating the water intrusion (in another topic). Thanks

 

[Rick Stephens]

Thanks for posting. Onward....

 

[JoLin]

BUT, pulled the power steering dipstick and she's bone dry. Shined a flashlight down in it and cant see any fluid at all in the res either.

Now you need to figure out how the fluid leaked out. I struggled with that for half of last season before I found the high pressure hose's flare fitting leaking where it screws into the actuator. The fluid is so thin it goes everywhere, and a tiny leak can empty the reservoir in a couple of hours. Took me a long time and a lot of fluid in the bilge before I found the source.

My .02

 

[smiles16]

Sorry I forgot to post an update on that. The hose on the cooler was split. I cut it and reattached it, all fixed.

 

[JoLin]

Easy peasy Good job.