Power Steering

[missruby]

1991 5.7Merc D429340. Alpha I. (300hrs) Always garaged no rust, original owner, never in salt, etc. etc. My steering is difficult/stiff. it isn't grinding or catchy in spots, just stiff all the way through the range. I have taken the pin off the steering cable attachment point to isolate the cable and test. it spins 1 finger easy all the way through the range. i.e. no issues with the steering cable (kinks). I think the P.S. pump is bad but don't know? Fluid level is accurate/appropriate. Proper lubrication on steering and outdrive zirks(sp). 1) Trouble shoot steps? 2) PS impeller? 3)Any other info needed from me?
it's winterized right now and i don't have muffs so i can't test in the garage but the stiff steering condition was prevalent last season. so i'm looking for what i can do now, before season starts, in hopes that i can get off to a good start in a few weeks. it feels like the old F100 when i ran it out of gas at 16yrs old and had to coast it to the gas station!
Thank you for taking the time to make suggestions.

Miss Ruby

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Power Steering

With the steering cable disconnected, Go to the rear of the boat and move the drive all the way from one side to the other. can this be done with relitive ease?
If that is the case, have someone hold the disconnected cable so that the end is being pushed against the transom while you turn the wheel. If it gets hard again, the cable needs to be replaced.
One more question, when the boat is cruising, say 2500-3500 rpm's If you let go of the steering wheel, does the boat make a hard right turn all by it's self?

 

[missruby]

Re: Power Steering

no case of the rights.

 

[missruby]

Re: Power Steering

and i can move the lower unit with relative ease.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Power Steering

Chances are you have some wear on the inner sleeve of the steering cable jacket. The cable inside can wear the inside of the sleeve, especially if the cable makes any sharp turns, causing it to accually flex with even the slightest pressure.
I have had this problem before with shift cables as well as steering.
That said, I am not there to actually feel it, so I would Advise you to take it to a local shop for a more realistic diagnosis. If he says the cable needs to be replaced, I would trust his judjment. I would be curious to know what they say.

 

[missruby]

Re: Power Steering

reading manual 14. No leaks, belts tight...PS system troubleshoot on manual 14 - section 6A. i'll report findings.

 

[Don S]

Re: Power Steering

Probably won't find it in the manual for stiff steering. Since you can move the drive, that SS cable has probably corroded inside that aluminum tube thru the PS unit.
Heat usually loosens it up so you can move, clean and lube the cable enough to remove the cable from the PS unit to clean out the corrosion.

While the picture below is an older model, the concept is the same.

 

[missruby]

Re: Power Steering

ok havasu and DS, i'm going in. i'll report back, thanks for the info.

 

[missruby]

Re: Power Steering

steering back to normal!! THanks!!