Is it the power steering pump or the power steering actuator that's failed?

[Biergarden]

I've got a 2010 4.3Gxi-P with about 200 hours on it. I've owned it for about 4 years. This spring I found that the power steering has failed. Is there a way I can tell if it's the power steering pump vs the power steering actuator? I didn't buy a new out drive new since my duo-prop SX-M is in good shape. So that means the actuator goes back to 2002, at least, when I bought the boat, used.
Any thought on where to start figuring out which one is the problem without guessing?

Al

 

[jbcurt00]

I deleted the duplicate post.

 

[Fun Times]

What is or isn't the steering system doing?

To test the pump pressure output, you'll need to either buy, borrow or rent a power steering test gauge kit and follow the procedures in the service manual.
http://www.boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals/43abcde.html#/198

And if there's a problem with the Volvo actuator then depending on the problem, there are some certain areas of the actuators that might be able to be rebuilt,

https://www.freewebstore.org/VP-Outdrives/Power_Steering_Actuator_Repair_Kit/p2086777_11025887.aspx

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...g+cylinder+3860726+3858128+3856716++&_sacat=0

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...utdrives/10050646-steering-cylinder-leak-sx-m

 

[Biergarden]

What is or isn't the steering system doing?

To test the pump pressure output, you'll need to either buy, borrow or rent a power steering test gauge kit and follow the procedures in the service manual.
http://www.boatinfo.no/lib/volvo/manuals/43abcde.html#/198

And if there's a problem with the Volvo actuator then depending on the problem, there are some certain areas of the actuators that might be able to be rebuilt,

https://www.freewebstore.org/VP-Outdrives/Power_Steering_Actuator_Repair_Kit/p2086777_11025887.aspx

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...g+cylinder+3860726+3858128+3856716++&_sacat=0

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...utdrives/10050646-steering-cylinder-leak-sx-m

I've lost my power steering. I can steer, but I'm doing all the work at the helm. So I brought my problem into the local repair shop here, but I do like second opinions. I've learned my lessons over here with trusting the customer service over here.

Thanks for the quick and useful reply.

 

[Fun Times]

Then from the first link I posted:

If the power steering unit is not responding, meaning you need more muscle to steer, then the rod should be pulled out of the unit to check and make sure the nylon piston is not cracked. I have seen on a couple of occasions where there is a crack and thus the hydraulic pressure is bypassing the piston.

And from one of the eBay links,

Mouse over to Zoom - Click to enlarge

 

[Biergarden]

This is all good stuff. Thank you very much

 

[Fun Times]

This is all good stuff. Thank you very much

You're very welcome..Please let us know the final results.:encouragement:

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Before ya go to far, the most common problem is the end of the cable bindin' up in the aluminum tube at the transom,....

Pull the cable, clean the cable, 'n tube, then grease the 'ell out of it puttin' it back together,....

 

[Blue2005]

I had a similar problem. My actuator was leaking PS fluid and I would have to constantly refill the pump. I took it the actuator apart, changed all the seals (2 were basically gone - I assumed this was the cause of my leak) and put it back together. It's been working ever since and I didn't have to spend $700 for a new VP actuator.

 

[Fun Times]

I had a similar problem. My actuator was leaking PS fluid and I would have to constantly refill the pump. I took it the actuator apart, changed all the seals (2 were basically gone - I assumed this was the cause of my leak) and put it back together. It's been working ever since and I didn't have to spend $700 for a new VP actuator.

Was your steering hard to turn or just leaking?

 

[Blue2005]

Was your steering hard to turn or just leaking?

Well, when the pump would run outta fluid, it would get hard to steer and the pump would start whining. So one day I just took the actuator out and repaired it. So far so good.

 

[Biergarden]

Before I go digging into this problem further, I just wanted to run one last thing past the collective.
Prior to my problem I couldn't, by hand, move the outdrive side to side. By that I mean with the boat on the trailer and me at the back of the boat moving the outdrive, by hand, from side to side. Now I can. Also, I've noticed that, no matter the speed, the boat turns sharply to the left. I have to hang on tight to the wheel to keep that from happening. This is a new symptom, where before the duoprop would keep me tacking ahead in a straight line, assuming the wind and water are calm.

 

[Bondo]

Before I go digging into this problem further,

Ayuh,..... Further,..?? What have ya done,..??

Have ya checked the fluid,..??

Are there any leaks,..??

Nothing to that effect is stated here anywhere,....

Yer latest symptoms sounds like there no oil in the actuator,....

 

[Biergarden]

Ayuh,..... Further,..?? What have ya done,..??

Have ya checked the fluid,..??

Are there any leaks,..??

Nothing to that effect is stated here anywhere,....

Yer latest symptoms sounds like there no oil in the actuator,....

Yes, I apologize. I did check the pump and it has fluid up to the fill line. Funny thing is I don't see any leaks anywhere. It makes me think, that maybe a seal in the actuator might be damaged, but wouldn't that dump fluid into the bilge area? Funny that it pulls to the left so hard. It's almost dangerous once up on stop to relax my grip on the wheel.

 

[Fun Times]

A bad/failed actuator wouldn't necessarily mean it will be leaking oil.

The steering went from hard to turn to lot's of play so the boat turns on it's own?:indecisiveness: you boat wants to be.

When the stern drive is being turned by hand, is the steering wheel turning at all?

You'll need to try and see where the free play is coming from. Is it the steering actuator, the steering cable or from the gimbal ring Spindle Arm assembly on the transom housing.

To get a parts visual for the steering spindle arm components, see the items in the area of # 23, http://www.volvopentastore.com/Tran...on_id.535979043--store_id.366--view_id.783172

And item # 4, http://www.volvopentastore.com/Gimb...on_id.535979043--store_id.366--view_id.783174

As I'm sure you know, this issue is to the point that you have to find and repair the steering issues as its only going to get worse in turn putting you and someone else in grave danger.

Are you working on the boat now or is a service shop?

 

[Biergarden]

I'll have it "professionally" repaired. That being said I'm trying to educate myself because the customer service in this part of Alaska is dubious at best.
Yes, the steering wheel does turn when I move the outdrive by hand.
The mechanic told me sometime ago that to swap out the steering cable was a difficult task since it's been in place since at least 2003. I'm not sure how old the steering is, but it's my best guess since I bought it used. I'd feel much better with fresh cables of course.