Steering Issues

[SeaRay]

I have a 1999 Sea Ray BR 210 with a 5.0L EFI Mercruiser and Bravo 3 outdrive.

I have noticed that the steering has gotten harder to turn, especially to the right. I have topped off the power steering fluid and checked the belt tension, this was little to no help.

I also googled it and found this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...-is-very-stiff

I have pulled the cable out as discussed in the thread but it really didn't seem like anything was sticking or hanging up. It was definitely easier to turn then with it connected, but it was no where close to just spinning freely on its own. For comparison, if the boat steered like this when on the water it would be fine. I am just not sure what to expect with it disconnected.

I have read about bleeding the system but I don't see bleed screws any where.

Any advice or tips on what I should look at next?

The boat has never been in salt water and is stored indoors year round.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mike Blake]

That pump will self bleed. Maybe the pump is junk. Did it ever run dry? Bad piston at the rear?

 

[SeaRay]

It was never dry, not even very low. Not sure how to check the piston?

Maybe it was just in my head but it also seemed to wander more than normal.

 

[Mike Blake]

If the piston leaks you may have a problem if not that pump may not be putting out all it can. Make sure that belt is tight also.