Volvo Penta Stiff Steering

[Lakeffect]

2002 Volvo Penta 5.0 I/O My issue is the steering is stiff. This is what I did to troubleshoot.
I disconnected the actuator from the out drive, the out drive moves freely with one finger, I disconnected the steering cable from the actuator and the steering cable/wheel moves smooth. Steering has some play, maybe 1/8 turn at the most. I removed the actuator and took it apart. It did have some cracks in the plastic "ball" I thought that might be the issue. I had the actuator rebuilt with new aluminum "ball" and seals, no improvement. Replaced power steering pump with re manufactured one, no improvement. I checked hoses and they look good. I bypassed the steering fluid cooler, no improvement. After more troubleshooting I discovered that the issue is the actuator valve body is not moving far enough for the power steering to work. If i help move the actuator with my hands while turning the steering wheel it works like a champ, one finger operation. I made sure the steering rod is lubricated moves freely in the actuator and all pivot points on the actuator. I have not lubricated the steering cable.
I'm thinking new actuator or new steering cable? Any help would be great.

 

[Grub54891]

I'm going to follow along. Inquiring mind wants to know also.

 

[Scott Danforth]

steering cables last about 15 years

you can have the steering actuator servo rebuilt by your local hydraulic shop.

 

[Lakeffect]

steering cables last about 15 years

you can have the steering actuator servo rebuilt by your local hydraulic shop.

Can you explain how you can tell if steering cable is bad? Mine feels smooth with no resistance.

 

[Lakeffect]

Update: I've read a lot of post on this issue and no one gives information on what they did to fix the issue. Well hear you go!
Replaced the steering cable and rotating helm and that seemed to fix my issue. Was a pretty simple job as well. Have not tried it in the water yet have to wait until May 2021.
Bottom line is all I needed was a cable and helm, which cost less than $200. Hope my experience helps you guys out.

 

[Lou C]

Glad you got it. I’m surprised other people have not reported back on this. I still have the original cable and helm unit in my 32 year old boat. I think what helps is lubing the power steering piston rod with Evinrude triple guard grease every season. This probably takes strain off the cable and helm unit making them last longer. The P/S actuator on my Cobra is the older style that is grease-able and maybe that helped it all last this long. The P/S on my boat is effortless like on a 60s-70s Chrysler product...

 

[SLemay]

Update: I've read a lot of post on this issue and no one gives information on what they did to fix the issue. https://clickandbuild.com/ Well hear you go!
Replaced the steering cable and rotating helm and that seemed to fix my issue. Was a pretty simple job as well. Have not tried it in the water yet have to wait until May 2021.
Bottom line is all I needed was a cable and helm, which cost less than $200. Hope my experience helps you guys out.

huge thanks for the update. i am having a similar issue and hoping that is same problem that won't be too costly to fix.

 

[poconojoe]

I had a very stiff Mercruiser power steering situation on my 16 year old boat. So hard I needed two hands to fight it.
After trying to lube everything that moves by the actuator with no results, I disconnected the cable at the actuator. Turning the wheel was still very difficult, so I knew the cable was the culprit.
I replaced the cable from the helm to the actuator. Now I can turn the wheel with one finger. World of difference!

Look on the sheathing of your existing cable for a part number.

Oh, you will be replacing the whole thing sheathing and all, not just the inner cable.

Tie a string to the old one before you pull it out. Use the string to pull the new one in. This way it follows the exact same path and it will be much easier for you too.