Power steering leaking

[Seastoke]

so i have to top up steering regular the system is not powered by the engine it is powered by the turning of the steering wheels ,and is topped up at the highest point which is behind the fly bridge wheel i just wondered where i drain the system down ,so i can replace olives and gaskets etc will spares be available ie boat is 25 yrs old .also what is best too soak up power steering fluid

 

[aquapower]

E

so i have to top up steering regular the system is not powered by the engine it is powered by the turning of the steering wheels ,and is topped up at the highest point which is behind the fly bridge wheel i just wondered where i drain the system down ,so i can replace olives and gaskets etc will spares be available ie boat is 25 yrs old

You usually drain it through the bleed nipples on the ram, what make system is it? Probably Teleflex, Seastar, Vetus or Wagner, is it pressurised ? Do you know where it's leaking as may not need to drain down whole system, parts are available for most systems or could be as simple as a fitting leaking. With a bit more info can then see what parts are available.

 

[vas]

I don't consider myself an expert on hydraulic steering systems, but I had a fair share of trouble with mine (still do...)

I'd start by identifying the leak and then act accordingly.
I'd NOT disrupt something that works fine just for the shake of replacing all olives (not an easy job and quite messy) If it's not leaking, don't fix it.
ah, and if leaking, try to tighten it first, some come loose.
Lowest point is around the ram/autopilot so just undo a connection there and get a largish pot to collect all the oil. On my 43ft mobo it contained less than 2lt

Latest leak is now from the flex plastic hose, return from a/p to f/b through the lower helm. Leaking at the worst point (typical!) under the lower helm.

cheers

V.

 

[Seastoke]

dont know the make untill i go down to the boat nxt wknd ,but if olives are weeping is there any product i can put around the weeping o;ive ,i dont think thread tape will do it but i may be wrong

 

[aquapower]

dont know the make untill i go down to the boat nxt wknd ,but if olives are weeping is there any product i can put around the weeping o;ive ,i dont think thread tape will do it but i may be wrong

might be lucky enough to tighten it up but if over tightened then will do more harm than good, an olive is not meant to have anything around it.

 

[Seastoke]

might be lucky enough to tighten it up but if over tightened then will do more harm than good, an olive is not meant to have anything around it.

so if i need to replace them and the pipe is short to cut off ,am i right in thinking you cant just replace the olive as the pipe will be damaged by the tightening of the olive

 

[BruceK]

Ahh come on Roy. I missed out the last time you had to do The Swellies, throttle only, and was rather looking forward to the sport at your next attempt. :disgust:

 

[Kawasaki]

Ahh come on Roy. I missed out the last time you had to do The Swellies, throttle only, and was rather looking forward to the sport at your next attempt. :disgust:

I missed that too!, anyway as long as he has a lump hammer and a chisel and gallons of h fluid. he will manage

 

[BruceK]

I take it he's moved on from gaffer-tape and wd40 then :encouragement: