Power Steering

66WINN · 07-07-2009, 07:48 PM

Over the past year my steering has become much more difficult and it's more difficult when it is colder. I have a 94 4.3 Mercruser Alpha I. The power steering fluid is full and the belt is tight. Would I need to replace the power steering unit or the rack & pinion? What should I check?

trfour · 07-07-2009, 08:53 PM

There is a filter in the power steering pump that needs tho be changed periodicly, per your owners manual. However, if my memory serves me, there is a cable that goes to a slave hydrolic cylinder, that may be in need of replacement. Some cables have a grease fitting and if it hasn't been serviced the cable should be replaced.
I would recommend that you find the problem now, as opposed to finding out after a collision from not being able to steer the boat.

Hope this helps.

NightWing · 07-07-2009, 10:39 PM

The cables may need lubrication. Who does your layup and spring launch?

jst_4_kiks · 07-08-2009, 11:44 AM

check/lubricate the steering cable. if it really stiff, just replace it. not worth the time trying to lubricate it then drive and lube some more. start fresh with a new cable in the older boat and it will good as new

07-07-2009, 07:48 PM	#1
66WINN Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 58 Thanks: 7 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Power Steering Over the past year my steering has become much more difficult and it's more difficult when it is colder. I have a 94 4.3 Mercruser Alpha I. The power steering fluid is full and the belt is tight. Would I need to replace the power steering unit or the rack & pinion? What should I check?

07-07-2009, 08:53 PM	#2
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	There is a filter in the power steering pump that needs tho be changed periodicly, per your owners manual. However, if my memory serves me, there is a cable that goes to a slave hydrolic cylinder, that may be in need of replacement. Some cables have a grease fitting and if it hasn't been serviced the cable should be replaced. I would recommend that you find the problem now, as opposed to finding out after a collision from not being able to steer the boat. Hope this helps. __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

07-07-2009, 10:39 PM	#3
NightWing Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 410 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	The cables may need lubrication. Who does your layup and spring launch? __________________ In the dead of night they come - Swift - Silent - Savage

07-08-2009, 11:44 AM	#4
jst_4_kiks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 126 Thanks: 22 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	check/lubricate the steering cable. if it really stiff, just replace it. not worth the time trying to lubricate it then drive and lube some more. start fresh with a new cable in the older boat and it will good as new __________________ Marine Technician - Learning Something New Every Day PM with any questions about marine repair