Heavy hydraulic steering

[single]

I have brought this up a few times over the years but its never been fixed.My twin station Vetus hydraulic steering has always been heavy.I have tried almost everything except the non return valve.I saw one on ebay last week (its sold now) and it got me thinking, could it be that? Its the only bit in the system i havn't touched.

View attachment 40929

 

[PCUK]

Is the steering heavy all the time or just when under way? Have you checked the movement of the rudders to ensure they are free? Is the steering stiff with the rudders disconnected?

 

[single]

Is the steering heavy all the time or just when under way? Have you checked the movement of the rudders to ensure they are free? Is the steering stiff with the rudders disconnected?

Quite heavy all the time. With each component disconnected its smooth but when its all put together its hard work.most similar size boats you can move the wheel with one finger.

 

[PCUK]

As the problem only occurs when everything is connected it must be to do with the way the connections are made or the geometry between the ram and the rudders.

 

[david_bagshaw]

How many turns from lock to lock.

a steering pump with a smaller delivery, would make the steering lighter at the expense of more turns.

Also what grade oil are you using as genuine vetus oil is very thin , about 10 if I remember