Filling my power steering fluid reservoir-any tricks?

[DjDaoust]

I'd like to top off my power steering fluid and was wondering if there are any tricks or procedures I should follow. I remember hearing from another boater that they tried to do this and when they removed the fill cap on top of the steering wheel housing, fluid shot everywhere. Looking to prevent that from happening

 

[Bt Doctur]

If you mean hyd steering with the fill cap on the helm unit then use a turkey baster or a large hypodermic

 

[Boater420]

I've never had fluid shoot anywhere while checking my level/topping off the fluid but you can always lay a shop rag across the fill while unscrewing the cap.

1 Remove fill cap
2. Fill reservoir with fluid
3. Replace the fill cap!
4. Turning the wheel back and forth all the way to bleed the air from the lines.

 

[ASH]

I will add that if there is pressure you may need to replace that cap on the helm, it is also the vent and if pressure has built the vent is plugged......and another idea to fill is an "old school" pump oil can with a flexible end.

 

[fwebster]

Cut the base off of a plastic disposable wine glass with a hollow stem....makes a great funnel for refilling a Teleflex helm pump.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Cut the base off of a plastic disposable wine glass with a hollow stem....makes a great funnel for refilling a Teleflex helm pump.

And first, make sure it has been rinsed out with 2-3 fillings of wine first.... lol

 

[DjDaoust]

Wine. Got it!

 

[be_prepared]

When I bought my 340DA, there was a little clear tube with a small screw fitting on one end that fits into the teleflex fluid port on top of the steering wheel mount, and a fitting on the other end that fits a standard hydraulic fluid container. I don't know if it's from SeaStar/Teleflex or if the previous owner bought it after market, but it sure makes it an easy operation.

 

[scoflaw]

When I bought my 340DA, there was a little clear tube with a small screw fitting on one end that fits into the teleflex fluid port on top of the steering wheel mount, and a fitting on the other end that fits a standard hydraulic fluid container. I don't know if it's from SeaStar/Teleflex or if the previous owner bought it after market, but it sure makes it an easy operation.

Exactly.....can be purchased at West Marine

 

[45Gunner]

I am told that the engine(s) should not be running when checking the power steering fluid levels as it pressurizes the system and fluid will shoot out if the filler cap is removed.

Out on the boat the other day and the steering felt as if it were beginning to bind up. Dawned on me that maybe the hydraulic steering fluid may need a refill. Next trip to the boat make this my first priority.