Steering wheel gone crazy

[rpmerrill]

At the same time as my "Autopilot Gone Crazy" posting, I noticed that the steering wheel was a little bit loosey-goosey and not terribly responsive. As I turned the wheel It seemed to go easy-hard-easy-hard to a very subtle degree. (not crunchy or binding up).

So I read up a little bit about bleeding and filling the system for later this weekend. But first when I attacked the autopilot situation, I simply spun the wheel left-right, lock-to-lock 4-5 times and all the issues went away.

SO, was I just working out a few lumps and bumps after a long winter of storage?

Did I solve my problem?

That's enough problems for one day!
Thanks all,

 

[Cruzerboy]

Be sure to check the steering hydraulic oil level in the helm wheel hub.

T.

 

[rpmerrill]

Yup, that is still on my list. Had to get going and secure the boat in its new slip before the storms tomorrow.

Will do, Thanks.
rich

 

[baz]

Air in the hydraulic line can cause this.

 

[Cmjansen]

We went for the sea trial on our new R23. The steering was similar to your description. We noticed hydraulic oil on our transom and left the boat with the dealer to repair. A week later it was delivered to us and we took it on its maiden voyage. It did not take long and the steering acted up again. We noticed hydraulic oil coming from the cylinder at the motor. The boat is back at the dealer and the cylinder is getting replaced. Sadly the boat has spent more time in the shop then on the water. Hopefully this is not the norm.