hydraulic steering leaking

[shadetree]

I have a 1995 Evinrude 175 outboard, with hydraulic steering. The two hydraulic ram seals (located on either end of the housing which connects to the engine) are leaking like crazy. The seals appear to be metal with a rubber o-ring that surrounds the ram. The metal portion has 4 small holes which look like they would accept a spanner wrench. Are these seals easy to replace? Can you replace these seals, or do you have to replace the whole steeing assembly? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[gcboat]

Re: hydraulic steering leaking

Depending on who made your system there are some alternatives. Here's a link to some really good folks. They are Hynautic / Sea Star pro's.
Give them a call - http://www.fishing-catalog.com/hynautics/hynautic_intro.htm

 

[zslnk]

Re: hydraulic steering leaking

I did this job on a Teleflex system on my Boston Whaler. They are special seals that a hydraulic shop couldn't provide, I got a Teleflex kit from WestMarine. You also have to make sure that the ram isn't pitted or else you'll eat the new seals. I polished mine up with some emery paper and oil and the pitting was greatly reduced and it didn't leak when complete.