Bravo 3 steering issue....

[garysboat]

Hello.

I wonder if someone can help me please? I've a problem with the steering on my boat... its got a Bravo 3 sterndrive which obviously has power steering. The power steering isn't really working very well, and therefore its stiff to turn the wheel.

I've managed to borrow on a buy or return basis, a new pump and new piston ram... but after I've replaced both of these it still doesn't work!

I've disconnect the steering cable and with the engine running, pushed the shuttle valve in and hydraulic piston moves and hence sterndrive moves (as I thought it would)... but when I reconnect the steering cable and turn the steering wheel - it doesn't seem to work! I've noticed that the shuttle valve moves a little when I turn the wheel and maybe there is a very little boost to the steering from the piston - but only for a second, then it moves back to the centre position and hence the piston doesn't move.

The steering cable seems to have a little bit of play in it - but not a lot really about 1 cm.... would this cause the issue? I can't think of anything else that could be causing it! Do all steering cables have some play in them?

Any help would be appreciated please, as I have now run out of ideas.

Many thanks

 

[QBhoy]

I think you’re on the right track with the cable. But these can also have issues caused by the bush being worn on the steering too. Just to be clear. Are you finding the steering stiff or is it that there is vagueness to it or otherwise?

 

[garysboat]

Hi - thanks for your reply.... I've removed the pin that connects the piston to the sterndrive - the drive moves quite freely without being connected to the piston or the cable...
but yes the steering is stiff, but for the odd second or so when the shuttle valve is open its free...it that makes sense!

I was thinking that the small play in the cable may be causing the valve to close.?

 

[QBhoy]

Hi - thanks for your reply.... I've removed the pin that connects the piston to the sterndrive - the drive moves quite freely without being connected to the piston or the cable...
but yes the steering is stiff, but for the odd second or so when the shuttle valve is open its free...it that makes sense!

I was thinking that the small play in the cable may be causing the valve to close.?

Think you’re likely right in it may be the cable. At their best though. This set up is never like a one finger operation really. There is always a slight delay and slack to take up between the wheel and drive. Always that notchy dead spot to get through at the wheel, before the ram operates.

 

[garysboat]

Think you’re likely right in it may be the cable. At their best though. This set up is never like a one finger operation really. There is always a slight delay and slack to take up between the wheel and drive. Always that notchy dead spot to get through at the wheel, before the ram operates.

Thanks - I think the problem seems to be that the ram is operating for a second or so, then stopping due to the valve closing.. should the cable have play in it? Do all cables have play? Thanks

 

[spannerman]

There should be next to no play in the cable, the ram operates as long as there is pressure on the shuttle valve from the cable, once the steering ram had moved the forces equalise and the valve returns to its neutral position. The slack in the cable is not applying enough force to the valve for long enough so its floating and closing too early, a new cable will fix it.

 

[garysboat]

There should be next to no play in the cable, the ram operates as long as there is pressure on the shuttle valve from the cable, once the steering ram had moved the forces equalise and the valve returns to its neutral position. The slack in the cable is not applying enough force to the valve for long enough so its floating and closing too early, a new cable will fix it.

Thank you - thats what I thought - So I think I need to replace the cable... fingers crossed that will solve the problem.

 

[Bastiaansearay]

Hello.

I wonder if someone can help me please? I've a problem with the steering on my boat... its got a Bravo 3 sterndrive which obviously has power steering. The power steering isn't really working very well, and therefore its stiff to turn the wheel.

I've managed to borrow on a buy or return basis, a new pump and new piston ram... but after I've replaced both of these it still doesn't work!

I've disconnect the steering cable and with the engine running, pushed the shuttle valve in and hydraulic piston moves and hence sterndrive moves (as I thought it would)... but when I reconnect the steering cable and turn the steering wheel - it doesn't seem to work! I've noticed that the shuttle valve moves a little when I turn the wheel and maybe there is a very little boost to the steering from the piston - but only for a second, then it moves back to the centre position and hence the piston doesn't move.

The steering cable seems to have a little bit of play in it - but not a lot really about 1 cm.... would this cause the issue? I can't think of anything else that could be causing it! Do all steering cables have some play in them?

Any help would be appreciated please, as I have now run out of ideas.

Many thanks

Hello.

I was wondering if you got it fixed? because i have the same issue.
And how you fixed it.

many thanks