SeaStar steering cylinder and helm pump *leak*

[LimaBravo]

Hey Gang!! Question for the knowledge base out here:

Last year I had a mechanic replace my Type 1 AutoPilot hydraulic pump support bracket. (It was loose and somewhat rotted). This required the removal and replacement of the Type 1 pump, and I'm (now) sure they did not bleed the system.

My steering got really hard and "lumpy" so I topped it off, but it happened again shortly after filling.

The steering cylinder for the inboard rudders developed a small leak, discovered when inspecting the rear bilge and noticing red fluid in the bilge below the hydraulic cylinder.

Question 1 - can air in the SeaStar system cause a seal to leak?

Question 2 - if so, can a proper system bleed fix the leak ?

I'm hoping for a yes, but if not, I will order the re-build kit and install new seals. The shaft and cylinder do not have any corrosion or damage so they are good candidates for a rebuild if a proper bleed won't fix it.

Thanks for your help !!

LB

This is a 1998 370 Aft Cabin, gas motors, with the SeaStar steering System. Single helm, single pump, one hydraulic actuatior between the rudders, with a type 1 AutoPilot pump in-line.

Thanks!

 

[sfergson727]

Usually the fluid in the steering system is Sea Star steering fluid, which is clear. Your trim tabs typically use a red fluid. Are you positive is isn't coming from your trim pump?

To bleed your steering system, turn the autopilot on, and then turn the wheel continuously for a few moments in each direction. That will allow all the fluid to complete the circuit from pump to actuators and back the reservoir through the return line. Don't do this while underway.....

 

[LimaBravo]

Thanks Sfergson!!

So yea, I thought the same thing about the color of the fluid..... however it does have a hint of red tint. When using a bilge diaper under the steering cylinder, the small little drips come out with just a touch of red. Either that, or the mechanic from last year serviced this thing in ERROR and I did not even think of that!! ??? It is not all red, just a little hint of it, but when in the bilge for a while it does get "more red".

It isn't the tabs, as they would leak into a diff area of the bilge.... the steering cylinder is the only culprit in this config.....

So your bleeding method is a great one. Yours seems to be a bit more simple than the SeaStar service method.... yours should still employ the use of the bleed valves when going in each direction or no?

Thank you !!

Usually the fluid in the steering system is Sea Star steering fluid, which is clear. Your trim tabs typically use a red fluid. Are you positive is isn't coming from your trim pump?

To bleed your steering system, turn the autopilot on, and then turn the wheel continuously for a few moments in each direction. That will allow all the fluid to complete the circuit from pump to actuators and back the reservoir through the return line. Don't do this while underway.....

 

[fwebster]

Teleflex has changed the color of the SeaStar steering fluid several times.....was amber, then red and I think it is clear now.......so color isn't a definitive way to rule in or out the steering system.

Bleeding t he system will correct the lumpy feel, but won't cure the problem long term if the ram is leaking.

What usually causes the steering ram to leak is corrosion on the cylinder rod. It is one of those out of the way hard to get to items on a boat so small pits form on the cylinder rod and we never notice it until we lose enough steering fluid to affect operating the boat. As those aformentioned pits pas thru the cylinder packing gland they slowly cut or abrade the packing until the ram leaks fluid. On a freshwater boat, it could be that age has taken its toll on the rubber packing gland, it has just dried out and shrunk enough to leak. If the cylinder rod isn't pitted, you can just rebuild it and cure t he leaking packing gland; itf the rod is pitted, a rebuild is a short term fix since the pitting will just wear out the new packing. If the rod is pitted, a new steering ram is in your future.

You might look at the article on the CSR home page.......click "Home" at the top of the forum page.......then look about 1/2 way down and you will see a series of articles. Look for one entitled Steering Loss.

 

[LimaBravo]

Thanks Frank! I did read your article and it absolutely helped me rule out a few issues and directed me where to look.

Thanks for the clarification on the fluid color. I inspected my ram today and it looks (and feels) to be almost new, no pits, scratches, damage, etc..... I guess my seals just got old. Like I said it is not a huge leak, just enough of a nuisance to have to fill once a month so I'll try the rebuild route this weekend and see how well that solves it!

Thanks for always being there!!

LB