Stiff Steering-can't solve the problem

[Modelav8r]

I have a 4.3L GL-E Penta with SX-B drive... 79 hours on the boat. Took on water in a storm about 18 months ago... everyone on board(entire family) thought they were going to die so needless to say the boat hasn't been in the water since... The water filled the engine compartment of my Chaparral not too high.. Bilge was working good. I did see some water in the PS pump when I finally decided to put the boat back in the water about a year later.. I sucked all of the watery PS fluid out and replaced it but since then the steering is very stiff... More stiff to port than starboard but both ways are substantially stiffer than should be. I have done the following:
Replaced fluid
Bled system by going lock to lock at least 100 times now
Lubed helm and cable
Lubed steering mount at transom
Removed pin in ram and started boat and the steering is easy
Steering is easier with the boat not running
I can easily push the out drive and make it move the steering wheel when the boat is not running

So at this point I'm down to thinking that the water got in the pump and was pumped into the ram and it has corroded some valve or something inside the ram or maybe it's the pump that's bad but the pump does not make any noises at all.

If I'm not mistaken this is a power assist steering not full power steering so it acts like the fluid is actually hindering or fighting back rather than helping which is why I think the ram needs to come out but I am open to more experienced opinions.

PS I am an engineer and am open/able to rebuild/fixing the ram if possible. If anyone has a drawing of the guts of the ram I would love to see it.

Thanks!
Larry

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stiff Steering-can't solve the problem

So at this point I'm down to thinking that the water got in the pump and was pumped into the ram and it has corroded some valve or something inside the ram or maybe it's the pump that's bad but the pump does not make any noises at all.

If I'm not mistaken this is a power assist steering not full power steering so it acts like the fluid is actually hindering or fighting back rather than helping which is why I think the ram needs to come out but I am open to more experienced opinions.

PS I am an engineer and am open/able to rebuild/fixing the ram if possible

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... As far as I know, the actuator is a Non-serviceable part, 'n you'll need to Replace it,...

That said, the most common point of hard steerin' is corrosion inside the aluminum tube the cable ends in, at the transom,...

 

[Modelav8r]

Re: Stiff Steering-can't solve the problem

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... As far as I know, the actuator is a Non-serviceable part, 'n you'll need to Replace it,...

That said, the most common point of hard steerin' is corrosion inside the aluminum tube the cable ends in, at the transom,...

Ok so I got the actuator out... I have learned a bit.. Is what I believe to be the shuttle valve supposed to move back and forth on the hydraulic cylinder? Mine is locked up.. Also I read something about the flats on the rod on top of the actuator having to be vertical... What does that have to do with anything? I can't see where
It would make any difference where the flats were oriented.

Larry

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Stiff Steering-can't solve the problem

Also I read something about the flats on the rod on top of the actuator having to be vertical... What does that have to do with anything? I can't see where
It would make any difference where the flats were oriented.

Aligning the flats in the vertical position helps with reducing binding and shudder within the steering system by allowing the actuator to move a bit more freely due to deign. It's pretty important that you try to get them as close to aligned as possible. Sometimes getting them aligned is not as easy as one would think.

http://forums.iboats.com/volvo-pent.../volvo-penta-jerky-steering-issue-586541.html

Good luck.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Stiff Steering-can't solve the problem

Not sure this this will help?
Under the steering wheel is there a screw that applies pressure on the steering wheel to make it stop free wheeling.
????