Hydraulic steering question

[Beastman]

Never had an issue till this year. When I turn port I feel a jerking I’m the wheel, seem like there should be a place to check fluid BUT.
thanks

[FUJIMO]

...there is. on the top side of the helm, there's a fill screw...

[4Speed]

I would say you have air in the system. There are several YouTube videos on how to purge the system. I purchased the Bubble Purge system and use it darn near every spring prior to use and when I changed the rod end seals
www.outboardst.com

[Jim Speros]

Your hydraulic system is closed. If you need to add fluid after a number a seasons you likely have a leak. Its not uncommon for the end seals on your cylinder to weep. Make certain they are dry and add fluid and bleed one time. To just add fluid and bleed is just buying time if it is in fact leaking.

[AlliStan]

I used to bleed air from hydraulic steering at the cylinder, on each side, but found a better, easier and less messy way. And, it totally removes all air bubbles, even the tiniest ones. I took an old clear plastic soft drink bottle and cut the bottom out of it. I rigged a short length of clear hose to the cap with a fitting that screwed right on the bottle threads. On the other end of the hose is a plastic fitting that screws into the top of the helm, having the same threads as the helm plug. I fastened a small chain to the bottom of the drink bottle to facilitate hanging the bottle above the helm.

In use, you fill the clear bottle about halfway, or less, with hydraulic steering fluid. Then, you slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. You do this over and over, numerous times, slowly. I then leave it overnight and come back the next day and do it some more. I find that, even if I think all the air is out the first day, I can get some more tiny bubbles to bleed out the next day. You can see the bubbles working their way up the clear tube into the drink bottle.

To each his own, but this is the easiest and surest way I've found.

[WavetoWave]

Never had an issue till this year. When I turn port I feel a jerking I’m the wheel, seem like there should be a place to check fluid BUT.
thanks

What boat is it on and how fast? You many consider the Pro 6345 or Tournament 6845 cylinder; locking keys and better fittings. the Uflex silversteer 128 svs is also good and can use the existing lines.

[FUJIMO]

I used to bleed air from hydraulic steering at the cylinder, on each side, but found a better, easier and less messy way. And, it totally removes all air bubbles, even the tiniest ones. I took an old clear plastic soft drink bottle and cut the bottom out of it. I rigged a short length of clear hose to the cap with a fitting that screwed right on the bottle threads. On the other end of the hose is a plastic fitting that screws into the top of the helm, having the same threads as the helm plug. I fastened a small chain to the bottom of the drink bottle to facilitate hanging the bottle above the helm.

In use, you fill the clear bottle about halfway, or less, with hydraulic steering fluid. Then, you slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. You do this over and over, numerous times, slowly. I then leave it overnight and come back the next day and do it some more. I find that, even if I think all the air is out the first day, I can get some more tiny bubbles to bleed out the next day. You can see the bubbles working their way up the clear tube into the drink bottle.

To each his own, but this is the easiest and surest way I've found.

...plus one...

[AlliStan]

I rebuilt the SeaStar on my Allison once. It still leaked. So, I bought a new ProHydraulic complete steering cylinder setup from ProMarine. It is beefier than SeaStar and is rated for 700 hp. Have never regretted the decision. Everyone that has ever seen it has been impressed with the obvious quality.

The pic I posted above is when I bled the new unit after installation.

[WaterZebra]

I used to bleed air from hydraulic steering at the cylinder, on each side, but found a better, easier and less messy way. And, it totally removes all air bubbles, even the tiniest ones. I took an old clear plastic soft drink bottle and cut the bottom out of it. I rigged a short length of clear hose to the cap with a fitting that screwed right on the bottle threads. On the other end of the hose is a plastic fitting that screws into the top of the helm, having the same threads as the helm plug. I fastened a small chain to the bottom of the drink bottle to facilitate hanging the bottle above the helm.

In use, you fill the clear bottle about halfway, or less, with hydraulic steering fluid. Then, you slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. You do this over and over, numerous times, slowly. I then leave it overnight and come back the next day and do it some more. I find that, even if I think all the air is out the first day, I can get some more tiny bubbles to bleed out the next day. You can see the bubbles working their way up the clear tube into the drink bottle.

To each his own, but this is the easiest and surest way I've found.

Great idea! I like it!