I had a steering leak in my 2006 SX-M that I couldn't find, but I was getting air buildup in the fluid reservoir and fluid loss. The slider on the steering ram looked wet, so I ebayed a new one over the winter. Clearly new or rebuild - no evidence it was ever installed.
Took the part to the dealer and asked them to diagnose the problem, and oh by the way I have a ram if that turns out to be the issue.
When I pick up the boat, they tell me that its fixed. I ask what was wrong and they say the ram was bad and they put mine on. OK.
Only problem is, on my 1st sea trial tonight there is no power steering, and there is still pressure buildup in the tank. I stop the boat to look, and the slider part of the ram is not sliding at all (or maybe 1/16 of an inch). The ram is also deflecting when I try to steer, which I don't remember from before. This is my 1st Volvo, but the old ram slider probably slid 1/2" or more as I steered. I assume it is a valve that when I move the wheel opens a hydraulic port to add pressure in the direction I want to go, with a feedback mechanism kind of like surge brakes in both directions - pressure is reduced as the ram reaches the place where the cable says it should be. Guessing here.
Anyway, I try some antics of throwing the wheel hard, revving in neutral while I steer, etc. Nothing works, although I do discover that at true idle there seems to be a little power assist but not much, but as soon as revs increase the wheel really resists turning. With engine off the slider still does not slide too much but it does a little. At idle it probably slides 1/4".
So here's my theory: The "Mechanic" reversed the lines, so I am fighting the pump instead of being helped by it? Would that create negative instead of positive feedback that would work to cancel out my actions instead of assisting them?
I'm wondering if I have the wrong ram. Are there any cable adjustments that would prevent the slider from moving on the cylinder, or is there a break-in period in which the slider loosens on the ram? All seem exceedingly unlikely. maybe the ram is just bad and I've been ebayed? The fact that I still am getting pressure in the tank makes me thing the ram was a red herring and I should just have them put the old one back on (in the unlikely case that it is still around).
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Took the part to the dealer and asked them to diagnose the problem, and oh by the way I have a ram if that turns out to be the issue.
When I pick up the boat, they tell me that its fixed. I ask what was wrong and they say the ram was bad and they put mine on. OK.
Only problem is, on my 1st sea trial tonight there is no power steering, and there is still pressure buildup in the tank. I stop the boat to look, and the slider part of the ram is not sliding at all (or maybe 1/16 of an inch). The ram is also deflecting when I try to steer, which I don't remember from before. This is my 1st Volvo, but the old ram slider probably slid 1/2" or more as I steered. I assume it is a valve that when I move the wheel opens a hydraulic port to add pressure in the direction I want to go, with a feedback mechanism kind of like surge brakes in both directions - pressure is reduced as the ram reaches the place where the cable says it should be. Guessing here.
Anyway, I try some antics of throwing the wheel hard, revving in neutral while I steer, etc. Nothing works, although I do discover that at true idle there seems to be a little power assist but not much, but as soon as revs increase the wheel really resists turning. With engine off the slider still does not slide too much but it does a little. At idle it probably slides 1/4".
So here's my theory: The "Mechanic" reversed the lines, so I am fighting the pump instead of being helped by it? Would that create negative instead of positive feedback that would work to cancel out my actions instead of assisting them?
I'm wondering if I have the wrong ram. Are there any cable adjustments that would prevent the slider from moving on the cylinder, or is there a break-in period in which the slider loosens on the ram? All seem exceedingly unlikely. maybe the ram is just bad and I've been ebayed? The fact that I still am getting pressure in the tank makes me thing the ram was a red herring and I should just have them put the old one back on (in the unlikely case that it is still around).
Thoughts? Suggestions?