MuddyBottomBluz Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 Just putting this out there. I purchased this........ https://www.amazon.com/Replace-HS5157-Hydraulic-Outboard-Cylinder/dp/B089D4BDCX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8W4M36GP79NJ&keywords=HC5345+Seal+Kit+-+Front+Mount+Hydraulic+Steering+Cylinder+Seal+Kit+with+Pin+Wrench+HS5157+Fit+for+HC5340%2C+HC5341%2C+HC5342%2C+HC5343%2C+HC5344%2C+HC5345%2C+HC5346%2C+HC5347%2C+HC5348%2C+HC5358%2C+HC5365&qid=1691230785&sprefix=hc5345+seal+kit+-+front+mount+hydraulic+steering+cylinder+seal+kit+with+pin+wrench+hs5157+fit+for+hc5340%2C+hc5341%2C+hc5342%2C+hc5343%2C+hc5344%2C+hc5345%2C+hc5346%2C+hc5347%2C+hc5348%2C+hc5358%2C+hc5365%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1 because I had a drip on the original seals, so just like anyone would do I replaced the seals for safety reasons. Well this past Thursday the wife and my kids all had the day off so I took the day off to take everyone on the boat along with the dogs. As I got past the last channel marker leaving the marina I noticed that my steering was not reacting properly and I noticed the hoses jumping/bouncing like they had air in it. Now I replaced these seals in May before my annual Key's trip, bled the system and everything was fine, worked great. Now 2 months later as I look back before throttling up I turn the wheel and see hydraulic fluid GUSHING out from the starboard seal and I was stuck going around in a circle because I did not have enough fluid to make it out of the turn. With the help of my youngest daughter I was able to get minimal steering back in order to make it back to the ramp. In order to get the motor to turn I removed the fill plug in order to let the air come out and get any remaining fluid to the ram. By turning the wheel 20 or 30 times I was able to get the motor to move just enough to get back to the ramp, however it was not pretty. Needless to say I will be purchasing OEM equipment with regards to my steering systems. Considering I literally had my entire life on that boat and to think what could of happened, I am thankful for the way it happened and when it happened! Buyer Beware! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 Was there any grooves or scratches on the shaft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 Lots of knockoff coming off of Amazon and E-Bay, buy from a reputable local shop. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lap it Up Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 I’d be curious to know how they look when you take them out. Almost sounds like a seal was installed backwards in the gland? Glad you made it back safe! Years ago I blew a line while towing a kneeboarder in Westwood lakes. Thankfully I wasn’t going fast enough to hurt anyone or anything. Steering is mega important on a boat, especially when there is no backup when it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jh141 Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 The material those seals are made of is junk. https://five-star-marine.myshopify.com/products/brass-seastar-hs5167-end-cap-hs-5157-hc5340-hc5341-hc5342-hc5343-5344-5345-5346-fsm041b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jh141 Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 Or call https://www.boatsteer.com/index.html Both these company's use top quality seals and do Great work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted August 5, 2023 Report Share Posted August 5, 2023 Amazon is notorious for taking product back at their re-packaging centers, and just dumping bad product into a "new package" Anything I buy on Amazon, I try and make sure it's original packaging and from the manufacturer....where Amazon is only the transportation company. DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ASB Posted August 14, 2023 Report Share Posted August 14, 2023 Yup like others have said Amazon is full of fakes. Look at the sellers and make sure they are a reputable company you could look up. I would always buy OEM steering. That could have been a very dangerous situation. Happy to hear no one was hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyBottomBluz Posted September 2, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2023 Just an update, I bought the Viton seals & caps from 5star marine, thanks jh! I wanted to change the seal on the piston in the ram but could not find one. So I called Five Star and the guy on the phone was cool as heck and he said that those seals are special. They are a Teflon seal with metal reinforcement and are heated and pressed on, custom. He advised do not mess with it, they never go bad. I listened and just passing it on. Thanks all! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ofdphildo Posted September 10, 2023 Report Share Posted September 10, 2023 Did they come with the sleeve that covers the threads so you can slide in on without damaging the new seals? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyBottomBluz Posted September 11, 2023 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2023 No they did not, they did come with assembly lube on them so I just spread the lube around the seals, taped up he threads on the ram and they slid on very easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ofdphildo Posted September 12, 2023 Report Share Posted September 12, 2023 Ordered these. https://five-star-marine.myshopify.com/products/seastar-steering-cylinder-seal-kit-without-wrench-hs5167 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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