Steering questions

[lcmains1]

I just bought my first boat with power steering. It is somewhat hard to turn (takes some force) It is certainly not as easy as a car. I really dont know how easy it should be to turn.

The boat had been sitting for a little while and when it took it out the last time the sttering seems to be a little better. I have checked the power steering fluid and it is full. The belt running it seems tobein good shape.

I am missing the trim tab on the out drive, could that make it harder to steer?
Where should I look? I dont know much about the power steering.

Thanks

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Steering questions

Oops... 1990 mercruiser 5.0 with alpha one out drive.
engine sn... 0C774704

 

[farmer9009]

Re: Steering questions

1st place to look is for corrosion inside the long aluminum tube at the transom. Pull out the steering cable and clean and grease it and the inside of the tube. It is a common problem that this gets gumed up while the boat sits for an extended time. The "trim tab" is not necessary with power steering.

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Steering questions

I didnt see a long aluminum tube. I assume that it is inside? how easy is the cable to disconnect?
All I noticed were hoses

 

[dubs283]

Re: Steering questions

remove the pin from the steering arm on the transom assy

then loosen the large nut at the end of the black steering cable where it enters the actuator, there is a clamp/lock bracket you need to remove to loosen the nut

once the nut is loose you can remove the slide end of the cable from the actuator and grease/lube the end

also, yes the trim tab is not needed for steering purposes but it is an anode and will help prevent drive component corrosion - best install a new one

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Steering questions

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/97/97hs5.pdf

 

[markhall]

Re: Steering questions

Just went through the same process on my Rinker. To answer your first question, you should be able to steer with two fingers - engine on or off. Mine got to the point where it took two hands when docking. My steering cable was clean at the outdrive end but binding/corroded in the cable. Replacement Teleflex rack and cable ~$150.00 depending on length.