How to Check my Steering

[Regal-89]

I have an 89 I/O Mercruiser/Alpha One RAVEN (only made I think one year). I bought this boat in Aug. of 2004. The boat runs great, but I noticed the last couple of runs before pulling out of the water that the steering started to stiffen up bad. It only does it when I am going slow though. Do you think it would be the power steering pump? What else could it be other than that. Also round about what do steering pumps cost, and would it be pretty simple to install. Thanks for your help!

 

[Bondo]

Re: How to Check my Steering

Before you start throwing Parts at it, Why not do a little diagnosis on it ??????<br /><br />Is the Pump Full of Oil ???? ATF is My go to oil for P/Sing......<br />Is the Belt Tight ???<br />Are there any Kinks or other Problem with the Lines ????<br />Is the P/S Cooler plugged ?????<br />Is the P/S Actuator OK ?? Leaks, dents, anything binding, etc.....<br /><br />Disconnect the Steering Cable from the P/S Actuator.... Does the Helm,+ Cable move freely ???????<br /><br />Now, disconnect the P/S Actuator from the outdrive at the Tillerarm..... Does the Outdrive swing Freely through it's travel ????????<br /><br />Somewhere along the way to this point, You'll Discover the Real Problem.................<br /><br />Good Luck......................