Power steering very stiff, not locked up

[daveycc]

I have a 1984 Mercruiser sterndrive with 300 hours on it. The boat was in storage for 10 years. The engine and stern drive were serviced and run fine, but now I have a problem with the power steering. First 10 minute test run, power steering was slightly stiff but worked fine. Second test run (next day) the power steering became increasingly stiff within minutes and took extreme manual effort to move the steering wheel. The more I moved the wheel, the tighter the steering became. I suspect the actuator is fouled or corroded, can I take it apart and clean it? Can the steering cylinder be taken apart and cleaned? What else do I need to check? The cable is in good condition, pump has fluid, there are no leaks.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

Disconnect the steering cable from the steering arm on the outdrive and see if the outdrive turns freely. A common point of corrosion is in the aluminum tube at the end of the steering cable as well.

 

[Don S]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

DO NOT Force it.
Your problem has about a 90% chance of the cable being corroded in the aluminum tube going through the PS actuator. Disconnect the nut holding the cable on the PS actuator and see if the steering wheel will turn as the cable moves away from the PS and back. If so move the cable away from the PS actuator and try to move the drive back and forth. Chances are it won't move.
The SS cable and the aluminum tube are a known problem in IO's and outboards. Remove the cable, clean everything out and gease it up and it will probably be fine.

 

[eryp]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

I seem to have the exact same problem today. Don S - if I could get a little clarification/help here:

I have a 1996 Wellcraft Excel with the 5.0GL Penta and the cobra SC-C1 outdrive.

I disconnected the nut holding the cable to the PS actuator. I attempted to turn the steering wheel and is was very stiff. I could move it but it took a good amount of force.

I'm guessing that means my cable is damaged or corroded?

Thanks in advance,

Eric

 

[Don S]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

Welcome to iboats eryp, best to start a new thread with your question. You have a completely different engine and drive than the original poster of this thread. Please don't hijack his thread with your similar problem.

 

[daveycc]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

Thank you very much for your help and quick reply. I have not been able to loosen the nut and am not sure how to proceed.

I downloaded "Service Manual #6 R, MR, Alpha I outdrives 1983 to 1990" and my PS unit matches the diagram on page 6A10. Referencing diagram 22137, when I turn the Coupler Nut the cable turns with it. The Steering Cable Guide Tube also turns, do I need to hold the nut on it? And if so, what size is this nut, nothing in the diagram give the size. It appears to be about 1.5". Referencing Diagram 22023 on the same page... Do I need to remove the cotter pin and pull the clevis pin and release the steering cable to see if the steering cable moves in the tube???

Why can't I just remove the clevin pin and turn the wheel and see if the cable moves smoothly in the cable tube?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

Why can't I just remove the clevin pin and turn the wheel and see if the cable moves smoothly in the cable tube?

That's what I was referring to in post #2. Check that the outdrive turns freely on its own... AND that the steering wheel / hlem turns freely. I suspect you will find that it does not.

 

[daveycc]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

I released the steering cable clevis pin and it moves freely. I also released the nut and the cable moves smoothly in the sleeve. Our problem does not appear to be corrosion in the steering cable tube.

The steering wheel is almost impossible to turn when the engine is running. When the engine is off we can manually move the outdrive with the steering wheel.

Is it worthwhile to have the actuator (and cylinder) tested and cleaned, given the age of the engine, or should I just buy and install new ones? I'm having trouble finding these parts online.

 

[daveycc]

Re: Power steering very stiff, not locked up

Even though the steering cable moves in the steering cable guide tube, we can see that the old lubricant is gummy and we want to clean it thoroughly. Is is possible to remove the Steering Cable Guide Tube for thorough cleaning and regreasing?

If it is OK to remove it, how should I do it so that it goes back properly. The detailed Mercruiser guide does not have instructions for removal.