Re: Replaced P/S Pump, Steering Still Stiff!
Don S has a pic of it and its been posted many times but in a nutshell if you look behind your engine you should see a chrome/silver tube that slides in and out of the transom plate when turning the wheel.
Thats the steering rod, it slides in and out of the steering tube. You need to pull the rod out of the tube and clean both up and assemble it liberally greased.
There should be a zerk fitting on the tube. It's supposed to be greased at least once a year, more if you boat heavy in salt. 99% of people who don't work in shops miss it... So your not the first. If you want to just try greasing it first you can try it, nothing to lose. Just make sure the rod is all the way IN the tube before you do, or you'll grease lock the assembly.
BTW.... getting that rod out may be a PITA with the engine in the boat.
also.... Just in case anybody else reads this....
FYI.... Unless a seal went out and the PS Pump blew it fluid everywhere or water somehow got into the pump.... PS pumps last a long long time..... In most cases last the life of the boat. 90% of stiff steering happens because the tube doesn't get greased properly.
Sorry to hear that your out $350 mate.... but you live and learn i guess.
