Adding steering fluid

[KathyN]

Our '97 31' TE seemed to be stiffer steering when we launched this year and we realized that in the two plus years we've had it we've not added fluid to the SeaStar Tilt wheel system. I've checked past threads here for information, and based on my reading we've purchased a fill kit and steering fluid and will open up the fill reservoir and check it this weekend.

My question; it is not clear to me whether we will need to open anything up elsewhere in the system to purge the system when we are simply adding fluid, or if the "turn all the way to the left and to the right" will be enough.

Any advice will be appreciated!

KathyN

[RobS]

Topping off you should be fine. Only when you start opening fittings, removing lines, adding pumps, etc do you have to open the bleeders on the cylinder. If you have air you will feel a bump bump in the wheel and it should work itself out. Stiffer steering could be in the rudder packing or perhaps the rudder shoe bearing. She is a single screw with a skeg, right?

[KathyN]

Thanks for your quick reply! There is no bump, bump; just what feels a bit stiffer than we remember from last year.

We have twin Cummins 370s. We're going over today and will see what things look like when we open up the fill port. Will also check inside for any other visible issues.

Kathy