89 Mercruiser Alpha 1 gen 1 stiff steering, grinding, loose outdrive

[MikeyArriva]

Hey all. I have done quite a few searches and am not having any luck with my issue. My power steering unit has a grinding noise turning left to right and a vibration. It feels quite tight at the wheel and feels like something is catching. There is also a few inches of play in my outdrive. I have tightened the two bolts on the outside of the drive as they were loose and it got better but there is still play. The two side pins were re greased. I removed the clevis pin from the steering cable and extended it all the way and cleaned it up and lubed it. Mine is the older style unit but it does not have a grease fitting on the cable side like in the manual, just one on the valve at the top of the unit on the push rod. Does anyone have any ideas. I know this is kind of a vague thing, I am just really about to lose it. Any mechanics in the area can't even see me till September so I am trying to get the family on the water and safely. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[alldodge]

If the drive can move and the yoke arm does not then you need a new steering pin. Probably need a new/rebuilt gimbal ring because the bolts were loose and still have play

Grinding noise in the PS is either air and fluid is low or most likely the pump is cavating and needs replaced

 

[MikeyArriva]

If the drive can move and the yoke arm does not then you need a new steering pin. Probably need a new/rebuilt gimbal ring because the bolts were loose and still have play

Grinding noise in the PS is either air and fluid is low or most likely the pump is cavating and needs replaced

Thanks. Fluid is full, and I have done the lock to lock multiple time to remove air with 0 bubbles, how do i check the pump cavitating? if i replace the power steering unit i can live with a little play but its pretty dangerous coming into the dock with stiff steering. it usually frees up decent enough at speed
The drive was turning on the steering pin until I re torqued the bolts and now it all moves. Not sure i will be able to pull the engine to replace that pin or feel very comfortable with the kit that cuts the hole in the top of the drive

 

[alldodge]

The PS system is self bleeding, it wouldn't take but a couple turns to purge any air. If the pump is making the noise, place a long screw drive on the pump and the other end against your ear. Can also use a wooden stick, cut off broom handle. Turn the wheel and listen if its coming from the pump. Can also move the screw driver around and check other locations.

The pump it self can be replaced just keep the valve on the back of the pump. The valve is where the steel line connects. Pull the pump out of the housing and get one from a local auto parts store