04 Trophy 2352 Stiff steering

[KR58]

Have a 2004 Trophy 2352 with Merc I/O. Boat was hard to steer, so I had the dealer trouble shoot all components and change the cable and rack. He said it is still the same. took off the auto pilot unit and tried it and no change. He said if he disconnects everything all is good, but as soon as he puts a little tension on the cable the steering stiffens back up. Anyone have any other suggestions or help. Thank You in advance.

Keith

 

[Bondo]

He said if he disconnects everything all is good, but as soon as he puts a little tension on the cable the steering stiffens back up.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,... Are there any sharp bends in the cable, that aren't there, when disconnected,..??

My auto-pilot causes mine to be stiff,..... an ole Raymarine helm mount unit,....

 

[KR58]

Cable was re-routed to make less bends in cable. Steers the same with or without auto pilot . .Dealer cannot figure this out . He is now going to check some hoses on low pressure side to see if there is anything in the hoses to restrict the return flow of fluid.

 

[Lightwin 3]

For testing, You can eliminate the cable by disconnecting it at the "tiller" behind the engine. If it is still stiff, you have a P/S or drive issue. If not, you have a cable issue.