Mercruiser Bravo 2 power steering cylinder play

[birchwood330]

Looking for some advice , I have twin Bravo 2 legs on my boat. I lifted the boat out last week and there seemed to be excessive side movement on the legs.

On examination , the play seems to be on the steering ram and maybe its just becuase the engine isnt running ? Looking at all the ones for sale , they seem to take cables but mine has an alloy hydraulic cylinder where the cable normally goes. Its hydraulic steering from lower and flybridge helm and the hoses go into this cylinder which I assume just controls the directional valve ?

Anyway , the play is on the part which goes into the steering valve just below where the pipes go into it from the pump. As you turn the wheel , a part goes in 1/2 inche or so and when you turn other way it comes out 1/2 the other way. Nothing looks worn or broken and maybe this play is taken up when the engine is on and the pump providing pressure into the ram ???

 

[rafiki_]

I have Alfa 1'S, which also have power rams for the steering. There is a little play on-centre, but by all accounts this is not uncommon. Have you checked the mountings at the ends of the ram?

 

[birchwood330]

yes , all mounts are fine. Its a part on the directional control valve which goes in and out a bit. Took a video of it but will need to work out how to get it off my phone.

The more I think if it , I recon its just becuase no pressure so will get boat back in and see what its like then.

 

[spannerman]

That is the floating housing for the shuttle valve, when you apply a load to the steering from the wheel as well as trying to push the steering arm, it also reacts in the opposite direction moves the shuttle valve. This will disappear when the servo oump is running and there is pressure in the system which will hold the shuttle valve in its central position. Its a funtion of all power steering systems that it has to be able to sense when you are turning the wheel.

 

[volvopaul]

I wasnt going to get involved in the black stuff, but id say you may have some play on the main down pin where the arms attatched to it, its a common corrosion problem along with wear in the shield where the pin goes through, thats where id be looking for play in the system.

 

[birchwood330]

That is the floating housing for the shuttle valve, when you apply a load to the steering from the wheel as well as trying to push the steering arm, it also reacts in the opposite direction moves the shuttle valve. This will disappear when the servo oump is running and there is pressure in the system which will hold the shuttle valve in its central position. Its a funtion of all power steering systems that it has to be able to sense when you are turning the wheel.

Yes , you have confirmed what I was starting to think. Thanks for that , will get on with the other jobs and get her back in for a trip away at Easter