Hydraulic steering lubrication

[swist]

I have Hynautic hydraulic steering on an 11 yr old 24' ProlIne w/225 Yamaha. (Although there are only 374 hours on the engine). Over the last few years the steering has become very stiff. It does the correct number of turns lock-to-lock, locks solidly, and bleeds pure fluid - am pretty sure this is not an air-in-the-system issue. Disconnected motor - same problem. Just for kicks sprayed some WD40 on the shiny stainless steel rods that the hoses connect to - major improvement! Is this unit supposed to be greased/lubricated? If so how/where? I always tell the yard that does the hauling/winterizing to "do whatever the steering needs". I suspect they have done nothing....

 

[Solittle]

Re: Hydraulic steering lubrication

I suspect that your suspect is on the money.

 

[swist]

Re: Hydraulic steering lubrication

Well I just got a reply from Seastar tech support (they took over Hynautic from Teleflex). They said no lubrication is called for and that the stainless rod may be starting to freeze up inside the cylinder, necessitating a replacement of the cylinder ($$$).<br /><br />This doesn't make any sense. I see other boats with hydraulic steering where grease has obviously been applied to the cylinder shaft, and still others that look like mine (shiny dry stainless).<br /><br />Que pasa ????

 

[peterbo3]

Re: Hydraulic steering lubrication

Hi Swist, <br />I have hyd steer on my 90. Had to put in a seal & O-Ring kit in last year after 7 years.. They will wear. Do not use grease or WD40 on the SS shaft. They will eventually dry out & leave a sticky deposit which will attract all types of gunk. A wipe with an oily rag now & then followed by a dry cloth to remove most of the oil works for me.<br />Regards,<br />Peter

 

[swist]

Re: Hydraulic steering lubrication

Found the problem - the tilt tube is frozen in place - no way will it come loose. It's the tilt tube that's supposed to be greased every year, not the main cylinder. So as the engine tilts it is pulling on the ends of the main cylinder rods and not allowing them to move freely.<br /><br />I discovered this problem when I noticed there were certain tilt angles where the steering was much better.<br /><br />I dunno how I'm gonna get that thing out though....

 

[jpassa]

Re: Hydraulic steering lubrication

Hi Swist, <br />I have hyd steer on my 90. Had to put in a seal & O-Ring kit in last year after 7 years.. They will wear. Do not use grease or WD40 on the SS shaft. They will eventually dry out & leave a sticky deposit which will attract all types of gunk. A wipe with an oily rag now & then followed by a dry cloth to remove most of the oil works for me.<br />Regards,<br />Pete

Peter
How hard is to replace the Seal & O-ring on the hydraulic steering cylinder?
My is a Sea Star # HC5342 and it leaks

Thank You
jpassa