power steering problems

[303hound]

Hi there, i have a 2002 182 br 4.3l and have noticed recently that the steering is getting heavier and feels a little tough to turn from full lock. Anybody have any expereince of this - just wondering if it's a problem with the pump or the hydraulic unit at the back of the boat.

Also i'm getting a slight knocking noise from the drive - the higer it's trimmed the worse it sounds, have replaced the gimbal but the noise is still there - worse if anything.

 

[Quint4]

Confirm your steering cable is not getting stiff by disconnecting it at the transom (actuator). Remove the pin that connects it and try turning the wheel...still stiff ? = bad cable. This is an easy test to start with to rule out a seizing cable.