Problems w hydraulic steering

Post by **Lester C** » March 3rd, 2002, 6:20 pm

When I haven't used my boat for several weeks, my steering freezes. I have hydraulic steering, with side mounted linkage to the outboard. The first time I noticed it, I had stored the motor turned all the way to one side so the linkage rod was extended all the way out of the cable. This time I left it stored turned all the way the other way so the linkage rod is all the way inside the cable. I can eventually work it out, but it seems to be getting worse. What will I need to do to fix it? What should I do to maintain it? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Post by **Tom Keels** » March 3rd, 2002, 10:01 pm

I would suggest putting a grease fitting on the piston housing so you can keep it full of grease. Expantion and contraction with the heating and cooling of the day causes leaks around the seal allowing the grease to run out and moisture to creep in.