Hydraulic Steering Problem

silver_boy

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Hi,

The steering in our boat ('82 Fairline 32 Sedan) has been getting less and less responsive recently especially from the flybridge helm. I've just put more hydraulic fluid into the pipes leading from the flybridge which has solved the problem slightly but in now shudders round as if there is air trapped in the pipes and still isn't turning the boat very much. Does anyone know how to bleed a system like this or if there is any other solution?

Thanks
 

Kawasaki

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Not had a Flybridge boat ever but had and have hydraulic steering.
Replaced a system once and had to "bleed".
Somewhere along the "line" there will be a bleed nipple.
It sure sounds like there is air in the system.
Else the Main pump is knackered.
Unusual, then again, the boat is getting on a bit.
Still, I think it could be air.

Not an Expert, just think the system needs a "bleed".
I remember having to bleed, by turning the wheel this way and that to activate the pump, whilst My oppo released the nipple!
"Nipples" what more can I say! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 

omega2

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If you are able find the ram/s that operate the tiller, there should be one or two nipples at each end, these need to be opened and the helm pumped i.e. spin from lock to lock, this will expell any air that is in the system. Sometimes it is not nessecary to bleed at the ram, start filling at the fly bridge leaving the wheel house filler open, have a mate watch downstairs and replace filler when fluid runs, then continue to fill until your station is full, then vigorouse helming may clear the air.
 

tico

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Technique on my last system was as follows....

Aply full Stbd helm (keep winding until it stops), then open the valve/bleed nipple on the pressure line at the ram and keep turning the wheel in the same direction (ensure reservoir is kept topped up) ontil no more air bubbles appear.
Close the valve/bleed nipple.
Turn the wheel fully the other way and repeat the process. This then drives the air out of the hoses.
Its important to keep the reservoir topped up as otherwise you will introduce more air into the system and you'll have to start again.

Easier to do than to describe!
 

volvopaul

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Just to add to ther helpers, has the system got a pressure tank? if so there will be a gauge on it and if your lucky a bike pump! make sure the gauge is set at 30-35psi, if not then try bleeding it, if no better swap the unitsover you may be lucky as it may have 3 quick release couplings on it, have you topped it up from the f bridge unit? did all this on my last corniche it may have the same system.
 

colinmi

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have a look on the vetus site, in the tech section. We fitted new Vetus steering a couple of years past, to our Grand Banks. There are fully detailed instructions on how to bleed the system on the site.
Unfortunately it doesnt tell you how to avoid getting oil all over the palce.
 

silver_boy

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Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I'm pretty sure it isn't a pressurised system as I haven't found a pressure tank. I'll try to find the 'nipple' next time I'm down and bleed it from there.

Cheers
 
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