yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not it)

[pcweber]

OK, so I searched and read 8-10 posts with replies that recommend lubing the cable where it comes out of guide. Following these threads I removed the pin at end of cable and testing steering. It was then VERY easy & free. I then got out of boat and tried to swing the outdrive by hand and it was VERY stiff yet. I realize it is connected to the power steering ram/ slave cylinder and kind of would expect it to resist. But, not wanting to assume I figured I would post first. I realize there is another pin to release the ram from the outdrive. What play there is seems very free until the PS ram starts to resist. My next step is to remove that pin but I have been around enough to realize that removing that cotter pin may take 2 mins but feeling my way around back there and barely able to reach tells me it may be 30-60 mins and 5-10 dropped cotter pins when trying to put it back in. So, I decided to pause and post for expert input and also wife derailed me on a house duty?. Sigh?

 

[Bondo]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

OK, so I searched and read 8-10 posts with replies that recommend lubing the cable where it comes out of guide. Following these threads I removed the pin at end of cable and testing steering. It was then VERY easy & free. I then got out of boat and tried to swing the outdrive by hand and it was VERY stiff yet. I realize it is connected to the power steering ram/ slave cylinder and kind of would expect it to resist. But, not wanting to assume I figured I would post first. I realize there is another pin to release the ram from the outdrive. What play there is seems very free until the PS ram starts to resist. My next step is to remove that pin but I have been around enough to realize that removing that cotter pin may take 2 mins but feeling my way around back there and barely able to reach tells me it may be 30-60 mins and 5-10 dropped cotter pins when trying to put it back in. So, I decided to pause and post for expert input and also wife derailed me on a house duty…. Sigh…

Ayuh,.... Generally speakin', it's the cable that binds Inside the aluminum tube...
Ya need to pull the Big nut off the other end of the tube, pull out the cable, 'n Clean inside the tube...
Then grease it, 'n re-install...

Yes,... Until ya pull the Other pin, there's gonna be Resistance from the P/S unit,...

 

[pcweber]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

OK, I am going to pull other pin next. Am I safe to leave the steering cable pin out and atart boat with ear muffs on and move steeringa bit and see how the slave clyinder responds? Anyone have any input as to what I will see? Slow steady motion or slamming to one side? I wont try until I get some feedback here. Also, is there any info or thread on how to troubleshoot the actual power steering system actuator and cylinder, etc.

 

[pcweber]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

I removed the second pin that couples the steering system to the outdrive. Then the outdrive swings free and easy. Thus is seems to resistance I am finding is a lack of functional power steering I assume. Is there a logical way for me to troubleshoot the power steering system? My first question is how does the cable passing through the actuator section of the PS unit imply to the system it needs action left or right? I don?t note anything but total free function of the cable when turning the steering wheel with that first cable pin out?

 

[Bondo]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

I removed the second pin that couples the steering system to the outdrive. Then the outdrive swings free and easy. Thus is seems to resistance I am finding is a lack of functional power steering I assume. Is there a logical way for me to troubleshoot the power steering system? My first question is how does the cable passing through the actuator section of the PS unit imply to the system it needs action left or right? I don’t note anything but total free function of the cable when turning the steering wheel with that first cable pin out?

Ayuh,... The bit of free play in the actuator is the valving,...

I'm still thinkin' yer headed the wrong way,....
Did you loosen the big nut, 'n pull the cable outa the tube yet,..??

 

[pcweber]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

OK, i may be onto the trial. I found this youtube video of a PS system showing steering cable movement via wheel turning back & forth. Note the actualtor telescoping inside the PS system assembly. as the cable comes in it. Mine has zero actautor movement. Before I pry, tap, beat, swear, does anyone have some advise on frozen PS actuator?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJEN69Oe6o

 

[achris]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

I have a couple of questions.

1. What are you working on? There are 2 different power steering systems Merc produced, and dealing with each is different.
2. What is the problem you are trying to fix?

Chris.......

 

[pcweber]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

OK, I will go try that and see what comes of it.

 

[achris]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

OK, i may be onto the trial. I found this youtube video of a PS system showing steering cable movement via wheel turning back & forth. Note the actualtor telescoping inside the PS system assembly. as the cable comes in it. Mine has zero actautor movement. Before I pry, tap, beat, swear, does anyone have some advise on frozen PS actuator?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJEN69Oe6o

Ok.. Just watched that video and the first thing that struck me was that the flats on the tube were horizontal... They need to be vertical, as per the book!

Chris..........

 

[pcweber]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

Sorry, guess that would help. It is a95 5.7L Alpha 1 outdrive. Basic symptom is steering while running is same as engine off and boat in or out of water. So I took the cable out (came right out) lubed in and reinserted. While I had cable out I sprayed clean both ends of actuator to clean it up, then sprayed some lube on each end. I then put the cable back in and noted when I push/ pull on cable I could get the actuator to move. Not as much as that video but that guy posted that video under the premise of excessive slop in steering so that may be part of his deal. Also, thanks for pointing out the vertical/ horizontal on the flats. Can you explain the need for that setting? Reason I ask is in the horizontal state is there a chance the actuator does not move and that may have been where mine was when I started and explain my lack of power steering? THanks for pointing that out as I dotn have a manual and there must be a reason.

 

[achris]

Re: yet another power steering question. (I searched, read, and started at cable, not

I've never stripped one of the new style steering units (which is what you have) so I don't know why the flats need to be vertical... Just that's what this -> https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&...YWRiNy00ODUyLWFmNzgtMTBmMzhlNGY4Mzk3&hl=en_US, genuine service manual for you to download and save, says to do....

Chris.......