hydraulic steering replacement

[Frank mellin]

Frank
I had a similar experience with a Vetus pump. As has been suggested your problem is down to air in the system. Bleeding is a 2 person job and instructions are on the net. You can tell if there is remaining air in the system as the helm will feel ‘spongey’ at full lock (either). If still ‘spongey’do it again. I also found it better to leave the system a little more under filled than the info suggests to avoid weeping by the breather.

Hi,
I have re bled the system following the vetus instructions and it has improved things.
I left the boat yesterday and all was well ,no leaks from the pump and no air bubbles.
Checked today and fluid level had risen and some fluid had spilt out of the filler port despite the fact that I had left some space for possible expansion.

I come back to my original thought that any movement of the rudder by the tide or current will automatically pump fluid back up the lines to the pump unless there are supposed to be non return valves which I have not been able to identify.

you mentioned leaving a space when filling pump ,maybe that will solve the issue but difficult to see how much space to leave without compromising the system.

Am thinking of investing in a pair of oars!!

 

[RobinBirch]

Perhaps invest in a sculling oar that you could steer with?

Trouble with hydraulic oil is that a little spreads a long way when it seeps out of that breather! Use of the helm and autohelm may force the little bit of remaining air out of the system. How much fluid is collecting in the drip tray? If only 5 or 10 mml then underfill by that amount and see how you go. Check that the helm works and top up sparingly as the remaining air bleeds out.