Steering

[RichEliz]

Where and how do you add the steering fluid

 

[RichEliz]

Where and how do you add the steering fluid

It is on a 2013 C28 Cutwater

 

[MarCur]

It is on a 2013 C28 C

pictures make it easier to explain:

 

[RichEliz]

Thanks

 

[RichEliz]

pictures make it easier to explain:

Thanks

 

[AGLyme]

If you have a “cb” (flybridge), add to the top station only.

 

[RichEliz]

If you have a “cb” (flybridge), add to the top station only.

Thanks. No flybridge. I have had added fluid but it seems I continue to steer to starboard to keep boat straight. Any thoughts.

 

[it4llc]

The issue may not be the fluid level but instead it could be the check valve in the steering pump. There have been a lot of posts on this topic if you search Garmin check valve. Our C28 had similar issues of constantly needing to turn to the right which were fixed by the check valve installation.

 

[AGLyme]

Rich, it4llc is correct. You have a check valve issue. I replaced mine last season and the steering direction improved about 90%. You need fluid if you can feel a "skip" as you turn... or, if you turn to the natural stop and the wheel keeps turning (past the natural stop).

 

[GarryH]

If you have a “cb” (flybridge), add to the top station only.

Thank you for your tip. If filling at the command bridge, should the cap on the steering column of the lower cabin helm station be removed to let air escape? If not, what can be done to bleed the system?
Thank you.

 

[AGLyme]

The steering reservoir "Cap" on the Flybridge is "Vented", the one in the Salon is not vented (different Part #'s).
When I added the oil - not because I had to, rather I was just making certain there was enough oil - I just topped off the reservoir in the Command bridge and never touched the salon reservoir. With that said, after several hot days a few weeks ago - there was some oil on the floor - and I surmised that it was the sun's heat creating pressure and the vented cap allowed oil to escape. It wasn't much - about half a tea spoon leak. I cleaned it up and haven't had a leak since and the steering is "fine".

When I did add the oil, i would add a small bit and turn the wheel thinking I would see bubbles, I did not. There was nil bleeding activity... just topped it off. I wish I had seen Rich's video posted above instead of just using the bottle end without the tubing... made a small mess at the time.

 

[RichEliz]

Rich, it4llc is correct. You have a check valve issue. I replaced mine last season and the steering direction improved about 90%. You need fluid if you can feel a "skip" as you turn... or, if you turn to the natural stop and the wheel keeps turning (past the natural stop).

Thanks

 

[RichEliz]

The issue may not be the fluid level but instead it could be the check valve in the steering pump. There have been a lot of posts on this topic if you search Garmin check valve. Our C28 had similar issues of constantly needing to turn to the right which were fixed by the check valve installation.

Thanks