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Power Steering problems 2000 5.7

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vandyman

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"I've searched and not found an answer, so am soliciting the experts here. I have a 2000 Caravelle with a 5.7L & Apha 1 drivetrain and ~170 hrs. It steers fairly easily until I reach 20 mph or so where it becomes more difficult, and at 3/4 to full throtle I can't turn the wheel without trimming all the way down and slowing down somewhat. I've only had the boat 1/2 season but checked the fluid when I bought it, and it looked somewhat cloudy so I replaced it. The pump does not squeak and belt is tight. I bought a pressure guage (and SELOC manual) to test the pressure as soon as it warms up a bit for a fair stretch. I feel the problem is in the power assist unit, or maybe the cooler? I will check the pressure first, but are there any additional common problems to consider? Thanks in advance...."
 
Can you move the OD side-to-si

Can you move the OD side-to-side w/a little effort and the engine off? Have the OD zerk fittings been lubed? Are you operating in salt water?
 
"No zirk fittings on the newer

"No zirk fittings on the newer models, Nylon bushings only........

when running at higher speeds what happens if you let go of the wheel?

If it pulls real hard to one side then you may have a bent skeg.

The "trim tab" is flat so it has no affect on the steering unless someone installed a adjustable one.

As guy suggested how does it turn when nothing is running?

Also the line going thru the cooler is low pressure. The line that is threaded with a flare fitting to the back of the pump is the HIGH pressure side.

Also look at the steering links and see if there is a need for grease on the shafts. The grease fitting back there only greases a certain part of the assit not the shafts....."
 
"Ditto the "bent skeg"

"Ditto the "bent skeg" thought!

Is this difficult steering more-so to one direction over the other?

I ask because even with power assisted steering, there is a need to properly adjust the "Torque Tab" or "Trim Fin" on these drives IF so Equipped.
Many with power assisted steering are not equipped with a TT or TF!

While WE may not feel or sense any "feed back" at the helm wheel....., all steering components DO!
IMO, if you give this some thought, this can prematurely wear steering components.

Have you by chance changed to a different propeller recently?"
 
"Ricardo,

SOme time in the

"Ricardo,

SOme time in the '90's when alpha I gen II came out they went to a flat trim/torque tab. non adjustable due to it bieng flat.

That is why I aske if an adjustable was installed."
 
"Yes, Agreed..... and I am awa

"Yes, Agreed..... and I am aware of that! Hence my partial reason for asking about a TT/TF if installed!

M/C certainly didn't do any favors for the drive steering system by eliminating this..... but what they did do, was eliminate the more complicated technique of adjusting a TT/TF when you can not feel any F/B at the helm.

The idea of a bent skeg would seem reasonable to me! Or a new prop that simply offers too much prop walk/torque.
He may want to try a TT/TF in lieu of the flat plate.

."
 
"When they came out with the g

"When they came out with the gen II I believe they also tightened the steering system.

Prior to that you could grab the outdrive and push it either way with ease. The newer system you could no longer do that. Also the gimbal was much tighter, less slop.

The steering assit assembly is the reason I believe. I could be wrong, I think it actually has check valve/pressure operation where as the older just had a positive assit in either direction.

With this there is little or no affect from torque...........or at least there should not be.

I know my 1987 alpha I gen I needs a adjustable trim tab without a doubt!!"
 
"Well, it may have been tighte

"Well, it may have been tightened up.... I sure wouldn't know! You may know more on that then I would.

The point that I've been trying to convey was whether or not WE feel the steering torque (or as some call it, "torque steer") at the helm, the mechanical components DO undergo this! And as a result, they may wear a little bit more!

With a "trim fin"/"torque tab", much of this energy is hydraulically diverted and is never placed on the steering components..... only the drive and TT itself!


I know that this has nothing to do with the topic, other than the likihood of a TT/TF being needed in order to correct his pulling problem.

It very well may be hydraulic related re; the slave valve or the cylinder itself. But I'd sure consider the simplest form of trouble shooting first. "
 
"You guys are great... Appreci

"You guys are great... Appreciate the replies. The skeg is straight and the boat runs true when hands off the wheel. Steering is ok at idle or slow speeds. With the engine off, the wheel is hard to turn (like my car somewhat). Also, there is little play in the OD (maybe 1/4"). Lastly, boat was run in salt water until I bought it last year (now lives in TN) but no visible signs of corrosion or damage."
 
"In the back are where the ste

"In the back are where the steering cable connects to the steering lever that goes to the outdrive, Remove the clevis pin so only the cable will move when you turn the steering wheel.

If it is still hard to turn then it 99% the cable is bad and needs to be replaced."
 
"Might also check the arm that

"Might also check the arm that moves the lever on the drive, it is the round part that protudes from the hydraulic cylinder. There is a "flat" area on it that must be in the vertical position to function properly. It must be held in vertical while while tightening the cable fitting. Also could be the control valve in the hyd cylinder is "sticking" when the pressure increases with RPM. If the hyd system is working properly there is no need for a trim tab. That's why it was removed - has no effect due to the pressure generated in the hyd system."
 
"I just had to says thanks to

"I just had to says thanks to all for the comments... once things thaw here a little, I'll try some of these ideas and report back."
 
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