Sea Star steering

[Gamblerman65]

How can air get into the system if there is no fluid leaking?

[ssmithboats]

the seals on the ram could be bad replace with oem seal kit first.

[swamprat]

Not bled properly to begin with

[billnorman1]

The answer is yes. Air can get sucked in, lip seals can be directional, and since I've bled air out of systems without visible liquid leaks, It has to come from somewhere. A good hydraulic man might beg to differ, I just accept that I got air out and if it works, I don't fool with it.

[BigFishSteve]

Mine is leaking. No doubt about it. Seal kit and wrench should arrive tomorrow. Will work on it on Saturday. Hoping for the best. Hope you bleed yours and top off the helm and be good for years to come.

[Gamblerman65]

I bought a fill kit that allows the procedure to be a 1 man job. We’ll see.

[DaveBrabec]

I bought a fill kit that allows the procedure to be a 1 man job. We’ll see.

Still a 2 man job. One to keep it full and turn wheel. One to open and close bleeder

[BigFishSteve]

What's the purpose of the hose and bottle on top of the helm. Does the helm really need to be 100% full to the cap? Couldn't you keep it topped off as the air bubble purge and add as needed while turning and bleeding? Would save a mess when you go to disconnect the bottle/hose.

[DaveBrabec]

What's the purpose of the hose and bottle on top of the helm. Does the helm really need to be 100% full to the cap? Couldn't you keep it topped off as the air bubble purge and add as needed while turning and bleeding? Would save a mess when you go to disconnect the bottle/hose.

I ran the whole bottle through it. Purging out old stuff.

[Bass Cat Boats]

One tiny bubble a trip adds up.

[billnorman1]

I have bled more than my share of systems. One man (or woman) can easily bleed a system with materials readily available at the hardware store. Keep the helm full. If you're a cheapskate you can pour the fluid from the bleed bottle back in the helm. It would be prudent to buy a quart or two ahead of time, it won't go bad on the shelf, and you can help a buddy if he has a steering issue.

[22R]

There's ya dinner!

22R

[mikeky]

I have bled more than my share of systems. One man (or woman) can easily bleed a system with materials readily available at the hardware store. Keep the helm full. If you're a cheapskate you can pour the fluid from the bleed bottle back in the helm. It would be prudent to buy a quart or two ahead of time, it won't go bad on the shelf, and you can help a buddy if he has a steering issue.

Yep, it is definitely easier with 2 people but 1 can do it easy enough.

[McQuaig]

Sorry, off topic, but ALL manufacturers should have the drivers' console open like that (Allison) for easy access to wiring...very slick IMO

[Gamblerman65]

I got around to bleeding the system and noticed a good deal of fluid is gone but there are a no signs of any leaks. The only place it could be leaking is in the cable where I can’t see it. That’s doubtful because the cable is pretty tough. So where could the fluid be going?

[brnzbaklvr]

I got around to bleeding the system and noticed a good deal of fluid is gone but there are a no signs of any leaks. The only place it could be leaking is in the cable where I can’t see it. That’s doubtful because the cable is pretty tough. So where could the fluid be going?

It's leaking somewhere if your losing fluid....Check around the helm and the cylinder...Leaks can be hard to see. I dry the area off really well, put paper towel down then work the steering wheel....
There could also be an abrasion point on the hose someplace....I've seen 3 wire, HP hose leak from a rubbing point at work...
If it is taking fluid while you are bleeding it the Oil is replacing where the air was taking up space...

[Aj14]

I was told that a small leak at the stern may be hard to see with the water spray washing it away.
Yes, it is absolutely a one man job.
Buy the OEM seal kit for the Seastar ram and the complete bleeding kit and it is extremely easy with just one man.