power steering effort

klawton55

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 23, 2011
Messages
116
I am helping my father with his pontoon boat. It is a 06 Avalon 27' with a 5.7 mercruiser and alpha 1 gen 2. The problem is that the first time that we took it out it was so hard to steer that it took both hands. The power steering system is electronic and does not use a engine pump. We have bleed the system and it is better but still hard, and you can hear the pump running even after you stop turning it (not sure if it made the noise last year) I have dealt with elctronic steering in cars but they are full electric with no hydraulic fluid, this has an electric pump and hydraulic fluid. any help would be great.
powersteering.jpg
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: power steering effort

Have you looked to see if a line is pinched or kinked?
 

Bamaman1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
1,895
Re: power steering effort

It's not clear if you have Mercruiser electric power steering assist or the SeaStar power steering assist. Figure out what system you have and you may can find service manuals and FAQ's online. You can also find bleeding instructions online.

Power steering assist does make noise when you turn the wheel, and but should be able to steer the boat with one finger.

Good luck!
 
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