Possible steering cylinder problem??

[floatit]

I have a 1997 horizon 20' with a volvo penta 5.7l MPI.

I had a power steering leak coming from the pump. There was hose that was slightly loose. After tightning and adding more fluid, no more leaks. I ran the motor and move the sterring wheel back and forth several times to flush any air out.

All was fine until the third time out after the fluid filling. I started having an issue with the steering. Everytime i move the wheel to either the right or left it gets to a certain point then the wheel jumps. It kind of feels like the wheel is skipping a gear, thats the best way to describe it.

It took it to an independant mechanic and he looked at the helm, steering cable and all looked good. He seems to think the steering cylinder is bad.

Anybody had this issue or have heard of this before? I really dont want to replace a $600 part if that isnt it.

Is there a way to trouble shoot the steering cylinder?

Thanks

Chuck.

 

[waterdaddy]

Re: Possible steering cylinder problem??

I had similar prob - power steering hose leaked - I guess over time the steering cylinder was damaged (didn't look like it but it felt like it) - bad news is that steering cylinder is pretty $$ but it's probably your issue

2001 Volvo Penta 5.0 and SX Outdrive, but probably the same cylinder as yours or close enough

good luck

 

[Don S]

Re: Possible steering cylinder problem??

Before you change the cylinder try this.

ENGINE NOT Running.
Turn the steering lock to lock about half a dozen times. Make sure the oil level stays within limits.
then start the engine and try it.
Many times they get an air bubble in the cylinder that doesn't come out with the engine running.
Also make sure the steering cable is not binding on anything and can freely move back and forth with the cylinder.
make sure the flats on the aluminum tube the steering cable go through are fore and aft, not up and down. or in between.

 

[floatit]

Re: Possible steering cylinder problem??

Don S - I will try moving the steering wheel again as you mentioned. I know i have done it once before but i will do it again and i will take a look at the flat spots on the ram.

Is there a way to bleed the lines by removing the lines from the cylinder? Maybe one line at a time or something? Technically the air should go back to the Power Steering Pump Resevior.


I'm also am going to put a little grease on the ram as the owners manual suggests.

 

[floatit]

Re: Possible steering cylinder problem??

So i tried lubing the ram as suggested. I moved the steering wheel back and forth several times with engine off and running. But it didnt seem make difference.

One thing i notice that i dont the jumping/skipping feeling when the engine is off. I only feel it with the engine running.

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Possible steering cylinder problem??

Sounds like you still have a few small air bubbles in the system. They *should* work their way out over time. I just replaced my steering ram ($200 used with a 60 day warranty found on-line) and I still have a few "jumpy" spots, but they are getting less as I am using it. Just keep an eye on your fluid level!

 

[floatit]

Re: Possible steering cylinder problem??

Hey Wingnutt,

Where did you purchase the ram online? Just incase it turns out it is the ram.

Sounds like you still have a few small air bubbles in the system. They *should* work their way out over time. I just replaced my steering ram ($200 used with a 60 day warranty found on-line) and I still have a few "jumpy" spots, but they are getting less as I am using it. Just keep an eye on your fluid level!