Hydraulic steering

[getfished]

I think I may have to replace some or all of my steering system. The boat is a 2008 Champion 210. I bought the boat in 2013. The steering has always been sort of stiff to my way of thinking for a hydraulic system. Lately it has developed some binding up or rough spots when trying to turn the wheel. Idling around when you start turning it quickly hits a stop or a bind. If you give it just a wee bit of slack and then begin to turn the wheel with a quick snap you can overcome the bind but it reappears the more you turn. It doesn't matter what direction you turn the wheel. When the boat is on plane it is next to impossible to overcome one of those binding spots. Needless to say it's an immediate safety factor that must be addressed.

Any suggestions on what the repair parts are gonna run me ? I can probably do the install, I think. I don't even know where to look for the replacement parts. I could use some suggestions for that also.

Thanks

[22R]

Make sure all the air is bleed from the system and you have no leaks first.
This guy is great and you can follow his lead.


22R

[The5thDutton]

That is odd behavior for a hydraulic steering system. Usually when they fail, they leak and if anything the wheel gets easier to turn because the pressure is bleeding past the seals.

[getfished]

Yea, I had it serviced about a year ago and I don't currently have a leak that I can see visually. It feels like something is out of place/whack with the pump under the console.

[barrys]

Take it to your closest marine dealer and have him bleed it using a power purge Jr. Nuff said

[hulapopr]

Check the tiller bolt and tiller plate bushings
as well.

[5keepers2]

I am betting you have air and the system needs bleeding off! Common problem. May need new seals where the air gets sucked in.

[billnorman1]

Low on the odds list, but motors do have lube points on the leg. Bleeding is easy once you grab the concepts. Gravity always works, and air goes up in a fluid, and fluids will not compress.
You might have the wrong fluid, low odds. I once accidentally put gear oil in mine, I added it, did not fill the system with it . Highly NOT recommended but the tubes look the same.

[getfished]

Well I think I found the gremlin. After talking to a Seastar tech this morning and sharing my situation/experience ( or lack of it LOL ) he suggested the knuckle/u-joint in my tilt mechanism might be faulty. I got home tonight and pulled the steering wheel, removed my switches and the rubber boot and I could see what appears to be a bolt or screw that has backed out and then it also is bent from excessive pulling on the wheel. I also do have some air in the system so a full fluid replacement and system bleed is in order.

Tomorrow I will have a new part on the way and with a stroke of luck I'll be back in service by next Wednesday which would be the next time I "need" the boat. There aint nowhere around here within 100 miles I can get this repair in a week so I hope I can do it myself.


BTW, the SEASTAR tech named Darrell was super helpful. Give em a call if you have concerns. 941-484-6060

[BigFishSteve]

Great to hear. Good luck on the fix. Test it and stay safe

[billnorman1]

Well I think I found the gremlin. After talking to a Seastar tech this morning and sharing my situation/experience ( or lack of it LOL ) he suggested the knuckle/u-joint in my tilt mechanism might be faulty. I got home tonight and pulled the steering wheel, removed my switches and the rubber boot and I could see what appears to be a bolt or screw that has backed out and then it also is bent from excessive pulling on the wheel............................................. ...........
BTW, the SEASTAR tech named Darrell was super helpful. Give em a call if you have concerns. 941-484-6060

Wow! This could be a systemic design issue.