steering fluid in a 28 TE

tomcat rio · Post by **tomcat rio** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:48 am

..there is a little resevoir for fluid near the wheel. does this system require any periodic maintenence?
...
seems to me that unless you drove a newer boat and compared steering response, you wouldn't know if you had too much play.

Post by **DougSea** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:57 am

I had a problem with one of my outboards (same helm setup) where it leaked slightly. The change in play was very noticeable. Topping off the fluid and turning the wheel lock-to-lock would fix it.

Post by **Elizabeth Ann** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:19 pm

Hey Tomcat,

You should top that off with some fluid while turning the wheel hard to over a few times to purge out air. We had a cylinder leak last year and had to do this a few time until we got the replacement cylinder. Steering depreciated rapidly and it was very noticable.

You should keep your eyes on the cylinder from time to time.

Post by **Mariner** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:55 pm

Make sure you're checking the manufacturer's specs and using the correct fluid. I don't believe they use regular old power steering fluid.

Post by **Elizabeth Ann** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:57 pm

Good Point! I purchased the SeaStar fluid.

Post by **SpaceCoaster** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:40 pm

Seastar - that's what I use as well. Had a leak in the cylinder on mine that required a replacement at the tune of several hundred $'s.

Now I just check the level at the steering wheel and make sure it's topped off. Jorge

Post by **Elizabeth Ann** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:48 pm

If I recall correctly, our new cylinder - purchased last year - cost about $250.

We ordered the seal / gland kit as well to try and repair the old cylinder. I opened up the old cylinder and remember saying 'I don't feel like dealing with this right now'. It looked like a PITA and there was no guarantee that it would work.

Post by **Capt Paul** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:05 pm

I ordered the rebuild kit last year but could not find the spanner wrench required to open up the ram. I wound up buying an new one along with the filler kit. The filler kit makes it easy to bleed the system. Make sure you use the hydrolic steering fluid specified by the manufacturer. Mine was a Seastar also.

Paul

Post by **Elizabeth Ann** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:25 pm

The filler kit is good - your right! Pretty simply to make yourself though.

The spanner wrench can be purchased through Grainger. I forgot theior part number, but may be able to find it if neccessary.

Albin Owners Group

Albin Owners Group

steering fluid in a 28 TE

steering fluid in a 28 TE

Fluid