gambler1 Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Not sure if this topic should be in General forum or Pathfinder forum but here goes, Last summer I had the helm replaced for my Pathfinder because if the boat sat for any length of time the steering wheel would spin free and not turn the motor until you did a full lock left to right a couple of times and steering would come back, After replacement everything seemed fine until recently I have noticed while under power the wheel seems to drift (rotate) as much as a full revolution on a few mile run. There is no sign of fluid leaks any where and I'm thinking maybe air is in the system. Driving me crazy because you would think the steering would be pressurized and I would not have to keep correcting it while moving on plane. Knowledgable input would be very appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Well, it's either air in the system or the valves in the helm are not responding. If the helm is only a year old, then it's not likely that the valves in the helm are sticking. Try bleeding the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamaskeet Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I would bleed the system and see if it corrects your problem. Make sure you lookup the bleed order on the Teleflex website. Its a pretty easy job but it takes two people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FINCHASER Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I have been battling a similar issue for 4 years, the wheel drift along with a "wonk" sound when ever turning wheel to the right and stiff steering, the motor also wont stay in the middle when traveling on the trailer whenever all this is going on. At first I was getting leaks at the ram from corrosion spots on the rod... entire system replaced once and ram replaced twice more. No more RAM issues but helm has always seeped fluid from fill cap during the heat of the summer. If I hook a bottle of fluid to the helm and do the bleed procedure I don't see any air to escape but the steering will work like new afterwards.... for a while and symptoms return. Dealer is trying to get with Teleflex to see what the plan is this time. I don't get it... I know guys who have boats with systems that have been on them for 10 years or more and zero issues... let us know if you fond the issue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 on a hyd. steering system you will find some wheel drifting. look at you steering knob, it will not always be in the same place. thought I had a problem when I bought the boat but that is what was explained to me. may that be the reason of concern. jmo. fin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FINCHASER Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 True but that happens when the wheel is turned hard to one side.. you can continually bump it and get the knob to move 360deg.... it is not supposed to drift while underway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanjj Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 Fin, I'm knocking on wood here, I've had Sea Star Hyd steering on two PF's over 15 years now, other than a seal at helm and a seal or two on cylinder at motor, I've been *** lucky. I do make an effort to always wash the salt and slime off the rod every time because I know if it ever starts to corrode, it's only going to be problems. Luckily for me no drifting....JJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 12 hours ago, FINCHASER said: True but that happens when the wheel is turned hard to one side.. you can continually bump it and get the knob to move 360deg.... it is not supposed to drift while underway I guess I have a problem too, mine does drift while running to some extent. I have been given wrong info from mechanics. this drifting was in a very old post over a year ago. it was about the knob hitting the family jewels at times and not at other times when the boat was on the same course, straight. , fin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 Refer to #6 toward the bottom of the page. http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=1088 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilemaker Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 That link on steering needs to be a permanent sticky. Don't need it now but want to find it if needed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanjj Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 5 hours ago, fin-addict said: I guess I have a problem too, mine does drift while running to some extent. I have been given wrong info from mechanics. this drifting was in a very old post over a year ago. it was about the knob hitting the family jewels at times and not at other times when the boat was on the same course, straight. , fin fin: The last thing I want is the knob hitting the family jewels........I would fix that before the next trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 sorry to say, really does not matter if hit or not after last week, LOL fin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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