2007 350 mag power steering stiff

[homelite]

Hello. I just bought the following. After my previous boat having a Volvo Penta that steered with one finger, I find this Merc less than par. it does work, but it is stiffer that I feel it should be.... Is this normal that you can't steer so easy? I know this is tough to answer but the cable is free. I unhooked it to test. Is there a spool valve that hangs up? Perhaps a spool valve I am missing that needs lubed? It makes docking maneuvers more work! Thanks in advance!

 

[alldodge]

VP and Merc use similar setup and both work easy enough when everything is as it should be.

If PS flid is correct then all the steering cable does is push or pull against a valve in the rear control cylinder. Make sure the flats are straight up and down and nut is tight

 

[Searay205]

alldodge is correct. once i lubed mine easy as can be. I removed the inner cable from outer sheathing and lubed by engine. Years now and still super easy. Before grease the longer i was using the boat during the day the harder the steering got, assume it got warm...

 

[homelite]

VP and Merc use similar setup and both work easy enough when everything is as it should be.

If PS flid is correct then all the steering cable does is push or pull against a valve in the rear control cylinder. Make sure the flats are straight up and down and nut is tight
View attachment 390315

Thanks. Is the nut you mention the nut on the cable? My steering is impossible to see in my Sea Ray Sundeck 240.

 

[homelite]

alldodge is correct. once i lubed mine easy as can be. I removed the inner cable from outer sheathing and lubed by engine. Years now and still super easy. Before grease the longer i was using the boat during the day the harder the steering got, assume it got warm...

Thanks...so are you saying your tightness was just the cable and nothing to do with power steering unit?

 

[alldodge]

Thanks. Is the nut you mention the nut on the cable? My steering is impossible to see in my Sea Ray Sundeck 240.

Nut is item C in first pic
The valve is inside the steering ram. Read thru the pdf attached previously