Anyone have any issue filling the hydraulic fluid for Sea Star steering through the conduit on the console. Getting the fluid to flow? First time doing it on a Phoenix. Need to replace the seals and then fill and bleed the steering.
Anyone have any issue filling the hydraulic fluid for Sea Star steering through the conduit on the console. Getting the fluid to flow? First time doing it on a Phoenix. Need to replace the seals and then fill and bleed the steering.
Once you start moving the steering wheel the fluid should draw into the helm pump.
2024 Phoenix 818, Mercury 175 (3B414035) Trick Steps, 3 Garmin 106 SV,s, LVS 34. BoatEFX dual bow mount. Ionic 12V 125AH, 2 12V 100 ah LiTime’s with Blue tooth for the TM. Minn Kota 345 PCL charger, Minn Kota Quest TM.
utube is your friend.
Youtube it. I did it, b it I can’t remember the exact details of the process. I think turning to the opposite side with the bleed screw open on the other and then vise versa. But there is a nice YouTube video or 2 out there.
I've watched a bunch of Youtube videos. Every boat is a little different. I successfully replaced the seals but I just spent 2 hours trying to add fluid and bleed the system. Fluid is flowing through the hose attached to the bleeders on the steering unit but I can't get fluid to enter into the system through the console port. Help please
Is your fill bottom upside down higher than the console on a pole or something like a drip bottle like in a hospital?
At least that is how I did mine and worked fine.
Yes, it was. Fluid wouldn't flow.Originally Posted by Aj14
this is basically what I did, but I did use a hose rather that put a solo cup on the bleeder.
Did you remove the liner from under the cap?
Only kidding, I have no idea.
Thank you. I was using the incorrect procedure that I saw on Youtube. Where you use a hose to bridge the two bleeder valves. I think that's just to do a final bleed after you refill the system. I'm going to try it during the week. Appreciate it.
I recently did mine and it was easy.
I bought all the parts from Amazon with all the hoses needed.
It was quite easy and cheap.
Of course you will have to buy a bottle or two of hydraulic steering fluid.
I refilled mine after I bought a Seastar gasket kit and it came with the needed spanner wrench too.
This OEM part was the expensive part of my project.
Get ready to get quite a workout turning the steering wheel back and forth many times.
There are several you tube videos available.
Good luck.
I'm glad you thought it was easy. Thanks
Last edited by MJL; 03-17-2025 at 06:51 PM.
I will say this as well. If you used Amazon knock off repair kits, I hope you have better luck than me. I replaced one and 6 months later I was doing it again. I went back with Seastar and it has lasted 3-4 years.
I am not a fan of the crossover hose method. I tried it as well and the only thing it did was make my swear jar get bigger. LOL
Cross over hose leaves very small air bubbles which turn into large bubbles. As told to me by a Seastar tech support guy.
No, I used the genuine Sea Star seals. I think I'm just struggling to follow directions properly and acting like an idiot. I had to order more fluid so I will make another attempt on Wednesday. If not successful, off to the repair shop.I will say this as well. If you used Amazon knock off repair kits, I hope you have better luck than me. I replaced one and 6 months later I was doing it again. I went back with Seastar and it has lasted 3-4 years.
seals went on fine but took forever to bleed air out of the system my arms were sore when I was done ! there was one last air bubble I couldn’t get rid of so I just trapped it in the cross over hose and closed the bleeders ! all good!
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