Teleflex (Sea Star) Updated Steering Cylinders

[Anthony1013]

This is very helpful information... I've also noticed the "bumpy" steering lately. Sounds like I need to change the cylinder.

Thanks again,

Anthony

[RobS]

The cylinder is not cheap, so be sure to check out the system first. My updated cylinder was a warranty replacement but I believe it goes for +/- $400. Check the cylinder, helm pump, all fittings, connections, tubing, etc. for signs of leaks. Bleed the system and fill the fluid to the proper level and then see if she smooths out and holds out for you.

[lawrento]

Hello RobS,
Looks like My Best Bet 3 (Albin 31TE) have just encounter this Steering issue on my last trip ....
After reading your thread ... I'm confident to tackle IT.
Thanks !
Lawrento

[Capt Ron]

Some time back I asked RobS if he had considered rebuilding his cylinder. He had reasons he didn't rebuild the old one. GOOD MOVE! I rebuilt mine over the winter. It took me four weeks to remove the end pieces (called glands). Salt water entered the area of the fittings and corroded the attaching pieces of square wire that retain the glands. Four weeks of soaking with the best penetrating oil money can buy, heat, cold, beating with a hammer, etc. Finally when I was about to give up and buy an assembly they freed up and were removed. One area where a seal rides was corroded and had to be repaired so as not to leak. Generally a pain in the ass!
My advise....unless the cylinder is in pristine condition and those glands can be rotated easily, replace with new!

[mjohnh]

Found this thread and hope that contributors are stilling reviewing it from time to time........I "lost my rudder" last year and posted about a "lost rudder" and now I have found this thread.........does anyone know of a source for a manual for the hydraulic steering system?....my 28 TE is a 2005 model. I suspect that it is a "Seastar" based on other posts that I have read. Does anyone know of a source for an online video showing how to bleed the system or a good description on how to do it? Also, where are the likely leak points? Thanks for responses.

[Nancy]

Hi Rob -

Looks like our HC5312 either needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Steering is loose and unresponsive for 1.5 turns, and the cylinder is leaking. Why did you decide to go up two sizes?

Nancy

[RobS]

When I had installed autopilot the prior winter and researched the cylinder specs I noted that the HC5312 was rated for planing vessels to 26ft so I had made a mental note that this cylinder was slightly under-spec especially considering that the 28TE is a big 28 with a big barn door rudder. So my intent if ever to replace was to go up to the 5313.
Well the cylinder happened to fail the next season but I was away on a trip and the the 5314 was in stock locally so that's what I went with. See attached specs.
http://www.seastarsolutions.com/product ... w/seastar/

[Nancy]

Thanks, Rob!

[Nancy]

Rob,

I know you said that the 5312, 5313, and 5314 are interchangeable with respect to sizes and clearances. I trust you implicitly but I haven't found the SeaStar specs. My next phone call will be to SeaStar. In the meantime, do you think that an HC5313 will install seamlessly where the existing HC5312 is:

steering gear-1-071912-1200.jpg

[RobS]

Rob,

I know you said that the 5312, 5313, and 5314 are interchangeable with respect to sizes and clearances. I trust you implicitly but I haven't found the SeaStar specs. My next phone call will be to SeaStar. In the meantime, do you think that an HC5313 will install seamlessly where the existing HC5312 is:

steering gear-1-071912-1200.jpg

Yes as to the HC5313 vs HC5312, only difference between the two is body & shaft diameter, they are all 7" of stroke. But remember this cylinder was upgraded many years back. The link for the new unit is below, kinda gets lost under the second image.. The new version that you will receive to replace your old unit is plug and play in that it has the same mounting footprint and rod end but based on the attached it appears that the retracted shaft will extend two inches further on the retracted end. When hard to port are you tight on clearance to the hull bottom where I put the red arrow?

[Nancy]

The new version that you will receive to replace your old unit is plug and play in that it has the same mounting footprint and rod end but based on the attached it appears that the retracted shaft will extend two inches further on the retracted end. When hard to port are you tight on clearance to the hull bottom where I put the red arrow?

I think there is plenty of clearance, but will check. Thank you. We may end up going with a seal kit (HS5154). Our mechanic has weighed in and advises that this is an easy job with a very high success rate.

[RobS]

Sounds good, keep this thread going with how it turns out, pictures would be great too.

[Nancy]

Yes. I definitely will. Do you think a photo of the oil-covered bilge would be helpful? lol!

[RobS]

Most people can just open the hatches and see that!
We'd prefer the broken down cylinder being rebuilt

[Nancy]

Photos of cylinder rebuild in progress will be tough considering that I'm not doing the work.

For anyone reading along who may want to upgrade to the HS5313, there is plenty of clearance to port for the longer shaft.