I replaced the helm pump and steering cylinder shortly after purchase. Changed cylinder size to reduce the number of turns lock to lock. I installed the cylinder that most 31’s seem to have from the factory, mine was larger. I replaced the SeaStar helm pump with a rebuild from SeaStar. The helm pump was replaced because of a heavy pulsating when turning out of a port turn back to center. I noticed it during the sea trail and the surveyor suggested replacing the pump.
The pulsing still exists and I’m wondering if it’s possible the autopilot pump has something to do with this. I have noticed that while the autopilot is engaged, 80% of the time the steering wheel will not spin freely to port, won’t budge at all, it always spins freely to starboard just like my previous Raymarine system.
Are there valves within the autopilot pump, check valves or bi-pass valves which could be causing the pulsating I feel when turning back to center as well as it not spinning free? It only happens at cruise speed, not hull speed. Turning to port at speed is fine, it’s only the return to center but it’s very distinctive, you can’t miss it, the wheel shakes in my hand
The AP pump seems to be the only part of the system I haven’t replaced but I don’t understand the how and why of what’s going on.
Hoping someone can explain or take a more educated guess than I can.
Thanks,
John