Binding in steering or just air in lines

[StingrayMike]

Volvo Penta 5.0 gxi with sx-m outdrive, 2007 Caravelle, Had the boat for about 1yr.

Last time out, the steering was jumpy and when turning sounds like there is air in the lines. Checked fluid in PS pump and was alittle low, added more and noise and jerky stayed the same. Figured it needed to be bled. did some searching and it looks like the best way to bleed it is with the engine off and turn the wheel full lock left and right afew times.
With the engine running (using PS) I have no problems turning the outdrive full throw, but with the engine off I cant move the outdrive at all. I can turn the wheel maybe 1/4 turn before it gets super hard and it feel like I will break the helm.
I have greased the bearings a couple of months ago,but I cant remember being able to turn the wheel with the engine off before.

So maybe its not air in the lines, but binding somewhere in the steering system causing the pump to over work?

 

[alldodge]

Behind the motor your tiller arm is connected to the PS cylinder with a stainless steel pin and cotter pin. Remove the pin from the tiller arm and try to turn the helm. It should move real easy. If helm moves easy, grab the outdrive from outside the boat and it to should move easy with some resistance from the outdrive boots.

Which ever does move is where you start looking

 

[StingrayMike]

Hopefully I can give it a try tomorrow.
thanks for the help.

 

[StingrayMike]

Am I correct in aassuming that I should still be able to move the outdrive full left and right with the engine off,but really difficult, just like a car?

 

[alldodge]

Am I correct in aassuming that I should still be able to move the outdrive full left and right with the engine off,but really difficult, just like a car?

With the steering disconnected from the outdrive, you should be able to move it left/right without a lot of effort. Just trying to find out if the problem is your drive steering pins, helm cable or hydraulic ram

 

[StingrayMike]

I understand that portion, but I was referring to when everything is connected and the engine is off, I still should be able to move the out drive, just with some effort

 

[alldodge]

I understand that portion, but I was referring to when everything is connected and the engine is off, I still should be able to move the out drive, just with some effort

If the helm is connected it will be real hard to move the drive. Basically the helm is somewhere between 3:1 to 5:1 ratio, so gear ratio is higher

 

[StingrayMike]

Gotcha. We shall see.

 

[StingrayMike]

Was able to disconnect the steering piston from the steering arm. Steering wheel moves much better, out drive is very hard to move.
in the process of b researching how to grease the gimble ring? I cant find anything in the repair manual or online yet?

 

[alldodge]

Need to remove the Tiller pin to find out if it's the hydraulic ram, or the gimbal ring steering pins

 

[StingrayMike]

I believe that is what i did. I removed the steering arm from the ram. I was able to move the hydraulic ram using the steering wheel very easily, but had to force the outdrive pretty hard to get it going.

 

[alldodge]

OK my misunderstanding, looks like your going to need to get into the steering pins.

Now I'm going to hope a VP guy comes along to help what the next step is. Appears your steering pins are seizing up but I'm a Merc guy, was hoping a VP guy would come along during our discussion and assist.

Maybe Scott Danforth or jerryjerry05 or another will help

 

[StingrayMike]

4Well, so far you have been doing a pretty good job:thumb:
when i got the boat, i purchased a Seloc manual. It hasnt been much help in this instance.
unfortunately the boat is in the water, so looks like i will have to get it hauled. Was going to anyway next month for repainting the bottom, checking hoses and such. Guess i need to bump it up.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thro the seloc manual in the garbage and download the manual.

Check to see if your pins are rusted to the tiller arm. (pins are zink plated steel and not stainless)

 

[StingrayMike]

Will do,
thanks for the help Scott

 

[StingrayMike]

Well after a few months i was able to pull the outdrive. Steering pins were defiently gummed up
the area were the tiller arm attaches to the gimble ring leaked, so that whole area had corrosion. i cleaned everything up, new orings,shims, seals. Seams to be good to go. Nowi can turn the outdrive without the power steering. tomorrow will take her out for sea trial.

 

[StingrayMike]

Took her out today, no problems.
she ran like a champ!
engine was solid, steering was spot on, no noise.
anchored out and saw some dolphins and a sea turtle, an awesome day!

very good sea trial

 

[alldodge]

anchored out and saw some dolphins and a sea turtle, an awesome day!

Sounds great !!! but what all the help and not one pic for us stuck on shore

Either way glad its running good :thumb:

 

[StingrayMike]

Yea, we were bad, no pics, at the time never even thought about it, to busy in the moment:joyous:
Next time we are bringing a couple of drinks:very_drunk:
thank everyone for their help, wouldnt been able to do it without it