Sea Star Steering Leak

[RichieO]

Hoping somebody may be able to help me out. The Sea Star Hydro Steering (Model 5271) is slowly leaking from what appears to be just under the steering wheel. Yesterday I purchase the Seal Kit but Im a bit nervous to take on the task myself. Can anyone advise is this is a real technical issue or not too bad. Im no mechanic.

Thanks

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Sea Star Steering Leak

Can't be too hard. Remove the helm to wheel nut (nut is under a cover retained be a set screw). Buy or borrow a 3 jawed puller and pull the wheel off of the helm shaft. The shaft is tapered, don't lose the keyway lock.

Put a bucket under the helm

Should be 3 screws, remove them and the retainer. Use a small pick to remove the old seal and then the o ring.

When you put it back together lube the new seals with Sea Star oil. Don't over torque the retaining screws. As you install the wheel index with the keyway and retainer. Tighten the wheel nut about the same as a spark plug.

Make sure you use Sea Star oil. Fill the helm. You might get away with bleeding the system by gently going back and forth about 1/8 to 1/4 each way, keep the level up and it might burp all the air out the fill hole. Otherwise below:

http://ww2.seastarsteering.com/OUTBOARD/oboard.htm?../FILL_PURGE/FillPurge.htm&1

Good luck