Sticky steering

Pricestavern · 08-07-2012, 08:37 PM

Question: my hydrolic outboard motor steering sticks a little from time to time when I turn to port, and only Gwen I turn to port. The wheel moves, but it will take a bit of effort to "unfreeze" it when it happens. Anyone know the cause, is it a reason for concern and if so, what to do?

Thanks again; I always know I'll get answers here.

- Rich

Jonas Pilot · 08-08-2012, 07:25 AM

I would clean and lubricate the rod that slides through the hydraulic cylinder. This is located in front of the motor at the transom. You will probably have to do it a few times. Turn the wheel to the direction where most of the rod is out of the cylinder and exposed. That's the easiest thing to do and that's where I would start. I use WD-40 to clean it and lubricate it with lithium grease.

excavatenh · 08-08-2012, 07:39 PM

its also good idea to drain the old power steering fluid out of the system put fresh oil in and blead the system, there should be bleaders out near the engine, you could be a little air bound, and have some condensation causing that problem with the steering.

Happy Gourmand · 08-09-2012, 07:13 AM

If this happened in a car, I would say it's a bad rack. I'm not familiar with a boat's power steering.

08-07-2012, 08:37 PM	#1
Pricestavern Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle) Posts: 389 Thanks: 135 Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts	Sticky steering Question: my hydrolic outboard motor steering sticks a little from time to time when I turn to port, and only Gwen I turn to port. The wheel moves, but it will take a bit of effort to "unfreeze" it when it happens. Anyone know the cause, is it a reason for concern and if so, what to do? Thanks again; I always know I'll get answers here. - Rich

08-08-2012, 07:25 AM	#2
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	I would clean and lubricate the rod that slides through the hydraulic cylinder. This is located in front of the motor at the transom. You will probably have to do it a few times. Turn the wheel to the direction where most of the rod is out of the cylinder and exposed. That's the easiest thing to do and that's where I would start. I use WD-40 to clean it and lubricate it with lithium grease.

08-08-2012, 07:39 PM	#3
excavatenh Junior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 8 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	its also good idea to drain the old power steering fluid out of the system put fresh oil in and blead the system, there should be bleaders out near the engine, you could be a little air bound, and have some condensation causing that problem with the steering.

The Following User Says Thank You to excavatenh For This Useful Post:
Jonas Pilot (08-08-2012)

08-09-2012, 07:13 AM	#4
Happy Gourmand Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ruskin FL Posts: 1,027 Thanks: 188 Thanked 322 Times in 179 Posts	If this happened in a car, I would say it's a bad rack. I'm not familiar with a boat's power steering.