Steering Problem

[mail410]

My 3-year old Maxum 1750 w/ I/O Mercruiser 3.0 liter Alpha One engine is having a steering issue. It appears to be locked-up. I can't trun the steering wheel right or left. I haven't used the boat in 3 weeks and I have it on a boat lift. It has power steering and the fluid level is fine. When I try to move the steering wheel I can see the cable housing behind the engine move slightly. I thought this might indicate that the cable inside the housing might be rusted and fused to the housing. Don't see any rust in or around the hydraulic pistons of the steering mechanism or the cable housing.

Up until this spring I've kept the boat on a trailer and only had it in the water while I was out using it (didn't dock it at all). I made sure to flush the transom with fresh water after each use. Always winterized the boat and keep it in a garage during the winter.

Don't understand what it might be. Any help would be greatly appreciated Help!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Steering Problem

I would take it apart @ the transom clevis pin (steering arm) & isolate whether it is the cable or the drive assy. that is stuck for starters.....JK

 

[kbetts]

Re: Steering Problem

mail410,
I don't want to sound like a smart - - - ,but is the engine running when you are trying to move the steering. I have power steering also, and it will feel like it is froze up when the motor isn't running. The engine has to be running to allow the power steering to work.

 

[mail410]

Re: Steering Problem

Yep, tried it while the engine is started - that's how I initially found out. I had just replaced the starter and was going out on a test drive only to find out the steering was locked-up. The only thing I did between the time that the steering was working and now is that I replaced the starter (disconnected various wires to the battery while I did it - don't think I missed any).

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Steering Problem

Like JK said you have to determin whether it's the drive, steering cable or the p/s assist assembly.