Power steering

[roadstarmoney]

Just bought an 04 q4 and power steering IS VERY STIFF. Fluid full. Boat had been sitting up for 2 yrs. Anyone have any ideas. Thought maybe bad pump?IT HAS THE MERC 4.3 AND ALPHA OUTDRIVE. THE STEERING WORKS EASIER WHEN THE BOAT IS TURNED OFF WHEN YOU CRANK IT THE STEERING IS ALOT STIFFER

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,....

We can care less what the boat is,...

What Motor,..??
What Drive,..??

My 1st Guess is the steering cable is corroded in the aluminum tube at the transom...

 

[starsnstripers]

Re: Power steering

Being a Mercruiser 4.3 with and alpha drive, Bondo may have it. could be cable sticking or stuck valve in the piston assy. You can unhook the cable at the piston and turn the wheel to see how stiff it is.

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

Being a Mercruiser 4.3 with and alpha drive, Bondo may have it. could be cable sticking or stuck valve in the piston assy. You can unhook the cable at the piston and turn the wheel to see how stiff it is.

How does the cable come loose after the big nut is loose. also if the cable is not binding is the valve easy to free up.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering

How does the cable come loose after the big nut is loose.

Ayuh,... Did ya pull the pin from the end of the cable,..??

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

Ayuh,... Did ya pull the pin from the end of the cable,..??

pulled the pin and the cable is free. do you have to remove the top part of the exhaust manifold box or what ever that is to get to the bottom bolt to remove steering unit.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering

pulled the pin and the cable is free.

Ayuh,.... With the pin out, 'n the Big nut all loose, 'n free,...
Pull the cable outa the aluminum tube, toward the starboard side...

Then clean up the outer cable, 'n inside the tube, lube it up, 'n put it back together...

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

The cable works good. i am trying to remove the cylinder, and have every thing loose but the large bolt that comes in from the bottom. was wondering if u have to remove the top part of the manifold to get the large hoses out of the way.

 

[achris]

Re: Power steering

The cable works good. i am trying to remove the cylinder, and have every thing loose but the large bolt that comes in from the bottom. was wondering if u have to remove the top part of the manifold to get the large hoses out of the way.

I 'built' myself a tool for that screw. I cut the ring end off a 7/8" (I think, check the size) spanner and welded an old 1/2" drive socket to it. I use it like an upside down crowfoot. Makes the job real easy, and you don't have to remove anything else to get the steering unit out. I recall a job a while ago where the steering had exaclty the same problem as yours. I think we replaced the complete unit, but that was in 1997, so my memory is a little faded.

Chris.......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering

The cable works good.

Yes, but did you pull it from the Tube, or Not,..??

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

Yes, but did you pull it from the Tube, or Not,..??

yes i pulled it and it was free, moved good. I pulled the top of the manifold and now have the unit out which i am going to replace with a new unit in a few days. Will let you know how that works out. Thanks for your help.

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

yes i pulled it and it was free, moved good. I pulled the top of the manifold and now have the unit out which i am going to replace with a new unit in a few days. Will let you know how that works out. Thanks for your help.

When you replace the steering acutator will it have to be bled and if so how do you do it?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Power steering

When you replace the steering acutator will it have to be bled and if so how do you do it?

Ayuh,... Fill the oil tank, 'n turn the wheel lock to lock several times,...
Without the motor runnin'....

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Power steering

Just one addition: When you thread the large actuator bolt back in place, make absolutely certain that the center pin part of the bolt is in the hole and not pushing against the aluminum housing itself. If you tighten the bolt and it's not in proper alignment, you'll break off the mounting arm of the transom housing. If you break that (and you can probably figure out how I know), you will have to pull the engine and replace the entire transom housing. That would definitely ruin your day, so just use a little extra care. Hy

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

Ayuh,... Fill the oil tank, 'n turn the wheel lock to lock several times,...
Without the motor runnin'....[/QUOTE[/SUB] Thanks Bond-o

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

Just one addition: When you thread the large actuator bolt back in place, make absolutely certain that the center pin part of the bolt is in the hole and not pushing against the aluminum housing itself. If you tighten the bolt and it's not in proper alignment, you'll break off the mounting arm of the transom housing. If you break that (and you can probably figure out how I know), you will have to pull the engine and replace the entire transom housing. That would definitely ruin your day, so just use a little extra care. Hy

Thanks, i see what you mean.

 

[roadstarmoney]

Re: Power steering

Thanks, i see what you mean.

Thanks to all that helped me with this problem. Replaced cylinder and all works well.