steering fluid

[sid_fishes]

guys , about 8 wks ago i decided to pull the centre console out of my boat and replace it with a wider ally one [ thanks col its great, will send you some pics later],in doing so i removed all the wiring and had to break lose the steering from the hydrolic lines.and now that they are replaced i need to either bleed or replace the fuild that was lost[ i did cover the ends with tape so no s**t would get in. there is a screw in the steering hub, is this where i replace the fluid, if not how? thanks for your replies cheers ian

[Spaniard_King]

Ian,

The screw you talk about in the steering hub is excatly where you fill it from. If you only lost a small amount of fluid bleeding will not be required.

Just fill the unit until you can see the oil in the hub then work the steering from side to side a few times. If when you come to the stop on each side it comes to an abrupt halt...bleeding is not required. If it feels really soft and there is little movement at the engine, it will need bleeding.

The steering will self bleed a small amount of air over time/use

cheers

Garry

[blaze]

thats where you fill it, you will also need to bleed it.
Best way is to have a fitting to screw into the filler hole with pvc tube attached up to a container of fluid. Then you turn the steering hard one way with the bleed screw undone (pvc tube attached to that into a bottle half full of fluid) and keep turning the wheel untill there is no air at the ram. Repeat for the other side. At all times make sure the container holding the fluid does not run out. When you are happy that all thee air is gone, remove the hose from the filling port of the helm unit and then undo the bleed screw and turn the steering until the oil level falls below the filling hole about 6mm (this allows for expansion caused by heat)
cheers
blaze

[blaze]

I must type to slow, bugger ya beat me Garry LOL

[sid_fishes]

gary, blaze, thanks guys for the replies , it will give me something to do tomorrow,,,, cheers ian