I have a 2000 Volvo Penta 5.7GS with SX outdrive. When I last used the boat I was coming home from fishing and all of the sudden my steering wheel pulled very hard to starboard and I had to fight with the steering wheel all of the way home. I now have the boat out of the water and when I start the motor it still does it. I drained/replaced/bled the power steering fluid. I removed and inspected the fluid cooler and it checks out ok. I removed the fluid return hose from the low pressure side of the actuator and briefly started the motor. Fluid is being pumped out so I assume that the pump works although I have not pressure tested the high side off of the pump yet. Do the pumps usually just stop working or is it a gradual thing. So my next thought is the actuator. I have no leaks and visually seems ok. I have had the boat for 10 years and this actuator has not been maintained/serviced in any way. I did have the outdrive off of the boat for about 10 months prior to this happening. With the engine off I can turn the wheel both directions with equal amount of effort though it does feel a little harder than normal. So do I pressure test the pump or look at the actuator?
