Power steering fluid low?

[bensmiata]

Our 2019 R-29 has very light steering, we think the power steering fluid is low. Has anyone else encountered this? If so, how did you rectify it? Thanks!

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

You may want to look at a YouTube video on how to properly fill the steering for a boat. It may be that there is air in the line that needs to be bleed out. This is not a big deal, you just need to study how to do it before you dive in.

Jim

 

[Ralf H]

Hi bensmiata,

That all depends on what you mean by the steering being light. When the system is functioning properly, you will not feel a a lot of resistance. Make sure that the helm wheel has about five and a half, or so, turns from lock to lock, and that the system does not feel notchy. Check the fluid inside the helm pump and ensure that the fluid level just covers the gears. You can see them as you peek inside the filler cap. You don't need any more fluid than that. Hope this helps.

Ralf

 

[Joan and Jim]

Hi Ralf. My 2017 R31-S NW edition has, like I am sure all boats of this type, the UFLEX pump for hydraulic steering system for both the cockpit and cabin steering stations. They are the UP series but there is no label on the system stating the actual UP model. Can you advise of the model type?

Also, you have written that the fluid level should only cover the gears. Would fully filling the chamber cause problems?

 

[jkliewer]

Hi bensmiata,

That all depends on what you mean by the steering being light. When the system is functioning properly, you will not feel a a lot of resistance. Make sure that the helm wheel has about five and a half, or so, turns from lock to lock, and that the system does not feel notchy. Check the fluid inside the helm pump and ensure that the fluid level just covers the gears. You can see them as you peek inside the filler cap. You don't need any more fluid than that. Hope this helps.

Ralf

After reading these posts I checked my helm fluid level and I don’t even see any fluid in the main helm (boat is new to me). What is the recommended fluid?

 

[sgeary]

Uflex recommends the following oil:
https://www.amazon.com/uflex-Hydraulic- ... 0742&psc=1

 

[jkliewer]

Thanks

 

[American Flyer]

Not trying to hijack the thread but looking for Ralf’s answer to the question of what happens if there is to much fluid?

My steering does not seem quite right. I went to check the fluid in the helm, opened the cap, and fluid poured out under pressure! I cleaned up the mess and removed fluid to a little below the threads. I am not sure how far down the gears are but did not want to remove to much. What problems would having to much fluid cause?

 

[KKRCRACE]

I have a C24 and if I fill mine up all the way it leaks. Just cover the gears and it doesn’t leak.
KKRCRACE

 

[RichBirk]

Not trying to hijack the thread but looking for Ralf’s answer to the question of what happens if there is to much fluid?

My steering does not seem quite right. I went to check the fluid in the helm, opened the cap, and fluid poured out under pressure! I cleaned up the mess and removed fluid to a little below the threads. I am not sure how far down the gears are but did not want to remove to much. What problems would having to much fluid cause?

Hello American Flyer, I see that you have a 29-CB. I was told that you should always check steering fluid at the highest helm station. I assume that's because fluid will flow out a lower station.

 

[American Flyer]

Hello American Flyer, I see that you have a 29-CB. I was told that you should always check steering fluid at the highest helm station. I assume that's because fluid will flow out a lower station.[/quote]


Great point! It did not seem like that much fluid came out but I will certainly check!