I have a 24' cc with hydraulic steering (single outboard). I have had to bleed the system at the wheel every year and sometimes more. A repairman stated that there was alot of rust/corrosion around the helm end. He also said that a complete new system would be $1,400, which he thought would be better to do than just a new helm due to the age of the boat (1995). My question is, can you replace the helm only if that is where the leak is and feel good about the other 16 year old parts? By the way I just spent a fortune putting a new motor on it so I'd like everything to work right but not sure if I need to re-do the whole system. The repairman did not state that he was 100% positive the leak was only at the helm.
hydraulic steering question
- Thread starter Kehaar
- Start date
That sounds about right to take out the old system and install the new one. As Jim P said, If you can do the R&R yourself you can cut the price in half. If you nare not sure, spend the money. One thing you absolutely do not want to fail is your steering, especially at speed.
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2001
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To your question, you can replace any individual part. Of course you can never quit worrying about everything.
Use ATF in your steering so you can find the red stains from a leak. Rust on the outside doesn't mean a problem inside.
Use ATF in your steering so you can find the red stains from a leak. Rust on the outside doesn't mean a problem inside.
As long as the hoses are not failing I cant imagine it so messed up that a few dollars worth of seals and some careful work wont fix it. labor would be problem if you paid for it that’s why the pro wanted to replace it but if you can DIY it will probably be cheap.
As long as the hoses are not failing I cant imagine it so messed up that a few dollars worth of seals and some careful work wont fix it. labor would be problem if you paid for it that’s why the pro wanted to replace it but if you can DIY it will probably be cheap.
Bruce is correct. On a single system like yours, seals on the helm and /or at the piston. Rebuilt my system, two station, piston and reserve tank seals for under $100.00 in parts. Took an hour plus.
Would not buy new system for rust at helm, scam job imho.
John
Bruce is correct. On a single system like yours, seals on the helm and /or at the piston. Rebuilt my system, two station, piston and reserve tank seals for under $100.00 in parts. Took an hour plus.
Would not buy new system for rust at helm, scam job imho.
John
Steering system integrity on an outboard powered boat is very critical. As stated above you do not want to experience a steering failure at cruising speed, which in a recent local incident was fatal to the operator. Inspect the entire system, if the seals are failing at the control head you can bet the seals at the steering ram are not far behind. While surface corrosion does not mean internal corrosion, corrosion on the surface can make servicing the system more difficult and time consuming thus more costly.
You can have your current control head and ram sent in and re-manufactured if the hoses/tubing are in good shape. Be sure and pay close attention to the hose connectors and change out if active surface corrosion is present.
With 16 years in brackish/salt water service it may be time for renewal/updating to keep up with new motor.
You can have your current control head and ram sent in and re-manufactured if the hoses/tubing are in good shape. Be sure and pay close attention to the hose connectors and change out if active surface corrosion is present.
With 16 years in brackish/salt water service it may be time for renewal/updating to keep up with new motor.
I put one on a 22ft ski boat years ago. I bought everything used off ebay because of the high price of a new system. It was a frankinstein system. Tilt helm, Merc ram that I used on a Yamaha motor, had local hyd shop make up the hoses. It worked great! I would replace and worn or leaking parts! Look on ebay! The helm is 2 bolts and 2 hoses. THATS IT!! simply system. I used the hyd oil from my local store, they crossed the sea star brand with something they sold. Much cheaper!! I have heard of people using ATF,30wt oil,I used hyd oil. To get the air out I used a male air fitting(the kind that you screw into an airtool) screw into the top fill of the helm and attach a clear hose and attach to the bottle of hyd oil. Hang the bottle up from something so the hose is up and down straight. slowly turn the wheel and watch the air run up the clear tube! do this until no air bubbles come out of the helm. I might have left it over nite to make sure all the air was out! DONE! It is a simply system! It is 100% better than cable systems! Esp with high HP clamp ons!
There is a company named:
Fluid Technologies
3477 Lake Shore Blvd
Jacksonville, FL, 32210
Phone Number
904)384-9659
Their business is Hydraulic Steering Repair.
Never done business with them nor do I have a financial interest in them.
I hear good things about them on the www.
Maybe you can give them a call and discuss your issues.
Fluid Technologies
3477 Lake Shore Blvd
Jacksonville, FL, 32210
Phone Number
904)384-9659Their business is Hydraulic Steering Repair.
Never done business with them nor do I have a financial interest in them.
I hear good things about them on the www.
Maybe you can give them a call and discuss your issues.
SeaStar steering?
A friend in Jacksonville found a local business that he simply raves about. If you like I can find out if it's the same place. I helped him change the ram at the twin outboards on his dual-steering-station boat. I believe he bought some seals and other misc parts (mostly for the two helms) from that local ground store, but bought the new ram off the internet.
A friend in Jacksonville found a local business that he simply raves about. If you like I can find out if it's the same place. I helped him change the ram at the twin outboards on his dual-steering-station boat. I believe he bought some seals and other misc parts (mostly for the two helms) from that local ground store, but bought the new ram off the internet.