Bleeding Power Steering

[Indy1830SS]

I believe I picked up in previous threads that Power Steering on my 4.3LX is self-bleeding? If that is correct then I assume that I can eliminate air in the system as a concern for my non-functional system?

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Why don't you just state what your problem is instead of how PS works and how to bleed it. You may find it has nothing to do with the power steering anyway.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

I am pretty new at this, and apologize if I am going about it the wrong way. I've had a little discussion and advice from folks in previous threads, probably yourself included, and am trying to isolate the problem. I assumed it was easier to ask for the information that I specifically needed rather than restate the problem.

Problem: power steering doesn't work. It has been suggested that it could be the steering cable, but it seems to work freely so I am trying to eliminate/identify elements of the hydraulic system.

Again, I apologize if that wasn't the right way to go about it. I have read a lot of your stuff and it is obvious that you know what your doing. I appreciate the fact that people like yourself hang around here to offer counsel. By the way...I hope you are enjoying the first holiday of your retirement.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Problem: power steering doesn't work.

How do you know it doesn't work? Have you put gauges on it to check pressures? Is the steering real stiff, or what.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Ayuh,............

To Bleed a P/Steering system,.....

Fill the Resv.+ turn the wheel lock to lock several times,....
Without starting the Motor......

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Much appreciated. Didn't realize it was quite that simple. I guess that means since my reservoir is full, then I have essentially done that in the course of diagnosis.

To Don's question. The steering is the same whether the motor is running or not. It is not difficult to steer, it just feels like you are doing all the work manually. It doesn't feel jerky, just unresponsive. I don't have pressure gauges or any fancy equipment. Thus, I am feeling my way through this. I can hear the pump change tones when the steering wheel is turned, but I have not yet taken any hoses loose.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Below is a picture of your power steering cylinder. The Yellow indicates an aluminum tube that runs thru the cylinder. Red, indicates your steering cable that goes thru the aluminum tube.
What normally happens to cause your problem is corrosion builds up inside the aluminum tube causing it to bind on the stainless steel cable end.
Remove the cable out of the tube, clean it and the cable end, lube it up with some light grease and give it a try. Bet it will work then.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Thanks! That is way above and beyond the call - a diagram and everything! Very nice. I will let you know if that works. Schedule dictates that it will be a few days before I can attempt it, but if it could be that simple (not that anything in that tight of a space is simple), that would be great. The boat has sat for 3 years, and I just acquired it, so that makes sense even more than a gremlin having gotten into the hydraulic system.

Thank you again.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

It happens all the time, especially after setting. Stainless against aluminum causes corrosion.
Now you see why I ask what your problem was instead of just answering the question you ask.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Yes indeed. It all makes sense. A couple additional ????

Will I need to pull the whole assembly out there to effectively clean the tube?
When you say light lube, do you mean a spray lube or a multi-use grease lube like sp. lube 101?

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

All you need to do is pull the cable out of the tube, the PS unit can stay on the boat.
The 101 will work fine, in the shop, I use Mercs anti corrosion grease.
Just make sure all the corrosion is off both the cable and the tube.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Again, thanks.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

I had some bonus time this evening, just enough to get the steering cable free, and found that it moves very freely in the tube - seems well lubed. I turned the wheel with it free from the tiller and it turns effortlessly. I didn't have time to take it free from the helm and pull it all the way out from the tube, but I guess I am not encouraged that this will solve the problem after all. I will remove it all the way later this week as suggested before drawing any conclusions.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

If it moves free in the tube, then that is not your problem.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Is there anything else in the mechanical components to consider or does that isolate my problem as either the actuator/cylinder or pump? Should the outdrive move rather freely by hand? What is the best way to diagnose whether the outdrive is pivoting freely or not?

 

[Don S]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Here is a link to the OEM service manual for your drive, it includes the power steering system.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14notice.pdf

Go to the troubleshooting section (1C) and it will have you check several mechanical items that I think you already checked. Just make sure.
Then go to section 6A and start on page 6A-23 and follow the testing procedures.
You WILL need the gauge and manifold. Without it, you will just have to swap parts and hope you find it.

 

[Indy1830SS]

Re: Bleeding Power Steering

Yet again. Thanks. That is a great resource. You have been a big help.