Stiff Steering

[Ben and Kelly]

Hi Folks!. I have a 1998 Bayliner 2050 SS with a Merc 5.0, and alpha 1 drive. I bought the boat last fall, and the steering is very stiff. I just removed the steering cable, and I can move it pretty easily by hand, and the helm turns freely. I am unable to move the outdrive from left to right and vise versa by hand. I don't know if that is normal or not. I do know that the previous owner had a leak in the hose running from the power steering pump to the heat exchanger, and replaced that hose right before I bought it. To me this means the poser steering system probably ran low on fluid from time to time.... Any suggestions? Am I looking at a new steering actuator, bad pivot points on the outdrive? All input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... Did ya just pull the pin outa the end of the cable,..??
Or did ya pull the cable outa the aluminum tube on the actuator,..??
I ask, 'cause that tube/ cable interface likes to corrode, if not greased up real well,......

Next, pull the pin outa where the actuator hooks to the drives tiller arm, 'n see whether the drive swings easier,.....

 

[Ben and Kelly]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... Did ya just pull the pin outa the end of the cable,..??
Or did ya pull the cable outa the aluminum tube on the actuator,..??
I ask, 'cause that tube/ cable interface likes to corrode, if not greased up real well,......

Next, pull the pin outa where the actuator hooks to the drives tiller arm, 'n see whether the drive swings easier,.....

I completely removed the steering cable, it's in the floor of the garage. I had already planned on pulling the pin to the steering arm on the outdrive if I can manage to remove the cotter pin......

 

[Ben and Kelly]

It was in fact a bad power steering actuator. Found a new in the box complete unit on Ebay for $350, and changed it myself.