Volvo Penta 5.7 GXI with DPS-A - actuator play

[Sfeli]

Hello iBoats-forum, we bought a Bavaria 27 Sport with a Volvo Penta 5.7 GXI-H engine(2008) and a DPS-A drive. Our steering actuator is not leaking and the actuator is mounted well, but: the steering has a play/backlash of 5 cm. which makes it difficult to drive straight with low speed At 2000 RPM there is a very high whistle when we steer to one side. It disappears when we just move the wheel a bit to the opposite side. Please watch the attached video. It shows that we can steer (the wheel moves the upper cylinder) without any backlash and only after it blocks the lower cylinder (with the drive) starts moving. So can it be that the rod-seal of the actuator piston is old and need to be replaced? Is there also a replacement for the inner cylinder - head? What are your recommendations or do you need more information? Have a nice weekend and X-Mas Greetings from Hamburg Stefan

 

[alldodge]

Welcome
A single engine V hull boat will wander (going left/right) when moving slow, just what happens. I also believe the amount of movement in the steering cylinder is normal. There are ports which direct flow and the outer sleeve has to move to align the ports when turning left/right and neutral. Pic shows a Merc steering but principle is same


The noise could be an issue. Might be low on fluid or there is a restriction/dirty

 

[Sfeli]

Dear alldodge,
I have checked the hydraulic-oil-level. It's fine perhaps a little bit more than required and no air bubles in the oil-reservoir.
My thoughts were that the rod below or the plastic has a crack, which let the oil pass only in one direction - what generates the whistle.
But I have already watched a lot of videos with a lot of troubles in getting the actuator out - not imagine to replace the rod. Before we start I wanted to get your opinion. We expect 1 week work for that.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... Donno 'bout the whistle, but most of the movement you show, goes away when the motor is running, 'n the pump is making pressure,......

 

[Sfeli]

Hello Bondo,
sorry didn't mentioned that the video is with engine running on idle (approx 800 rpm). In my mindset the hydraulic only supports the movement marginal and only after the steering is at the block / end. At 2000 RPM I haven't checked the behavior but we have also the free play and the loud and high whistle.

 

[alldodge]

Dear alldodge,
I have checked the hydraulic-oil-level. It's fine perhaps a little bit more than required and no air bubles in the oil-reservoir.
My thoughts were that the rod below or the plastic has a crack, which let the oil pass only in one direction - what generates the whistle.
But I have already watched a lot of videos with a lot of troubles in getting the actuator out - not imagine to replace the rod. Before we start I wanted to get your opinion. We expect 1 week work for that.

View attachment 404502

I'm not a VP expert and have not tried to rebuild one, but from what I've read the VP is much harder to rebuild then the Merc.

 

[Lou C]

OK I watched your vid a few times and there seems to be more of a delay between the time the control valve moves and the steering arm actually moves, I am not sure though if this is typical for the unit that Volvo used on these.
On my much older set up (Bendix control valve with external fluid tubes) that was used on OMCs and Mercs up to about '89 or '90, the response of the steering seems quicker, can't check it now because the boat is winterized and covered up.
Given that it's a 2008 boat now if that's the original steering actuator the internal seals may be leaking causing the delay.
I replaced the old leaky unit in mine (original from 1988) a few years ago with a good used unit, these can be rebuilt (only the control valve not the hydraulic cylinder) because the same control valve was used on US built vehicles now considered classic cars (63-83 Corvettes, 60s and 70s unibody Fords and Mercuries). I have a new old stock control valve.