Hydraulic Steering Repair?

jeff6645 · #1 04-04-2010, 10:22 PM

Having some issues with my steering and need some advice.

See the picture below I am missing the nut and what ever else is suppose to go on the bolt that is sticking up. Does anyone know what size of nut fits it? If the threads are damaged can the bolt be easily replaced?

I also need to rebuild the cylinder; is it very hard to do? The steering wheel has a Seastar label on it.

The motor is a Yamaha 250 v6 - I think it's 1989 model.

sorry for the oversize picture...

RWatts23 · #2 04-05-2010, 10:46 AM

I dont know the size of the nut. If the cylinder is bad/leaking, you can order just the cylinder. If there is no evidence of the seals going bad, your system may have air in it. You can purge it out yourself by following the instructions from Sea Star, I think that there are even directions on the sea star fluid bottle as well. The mechanic I use has a machine that purges the syetem, takes him about 10 minutes.

jeff6645 · #3 04-06-2010, 10:43 PM

Heading back from New Orleans today I stopped off in Waveland Ms. at a boat dealer, they weren't able to help me but the told me about a place up the road in Gulfport, Ms called Marine Supply. Walked in and two minutes later had the parts in my hand and even had tips on how to install it.

If you live around Gulfport you probably already know about this place, they have everything you can think of for a boat. They carry both new and used parts. They buy old boats and trailers and strip down them for parts. I wish they were closer to my house.

jeff6645 · #4 04-11-2010, 01:55 AM

I spent less than $3.00 repairing the cylinder that was leaking... bought several different sizes of O-Rings. The 1st one tried was to thick and cut it pushing the cap back on the cylinder rod. The next one was a thin o-ring was able to slowly work it back on the push rod without any issues. Re-filled and bled the system and no leaks. Was out on the water for several hours today with no issues.

I am going to stay close to shore for several trips to make sure it holds, may just go ahead and order the regular rebuild kit so I will have peace of mind.

DonV · #5 04-11-2010, 09:27 AM

Go to eBay. Try this number in their search 310209025708. Will give you an idea what the kit costs, I'm about to replace the seals on mine and because I'm a poor bastard I shop around.

jeff6645 · #6 04-11-2010, 11:24 AM

Thanks for the Ebay info, I looked it up and that is a saving. You would think that you could find the same seal somewhere else maybe for some other hydraulic cylinder application. It's not that I don't want to used Sea Star parts it just kills me to paid $100 for something that should cost maybe $30 at the most....

Reminds me of the time the Mast Air Flow Sensor on my BMW went bad a local mechanic said "I can get it from BWM for around $425 or we can get it from Kia for $120, they are the same part made by the same manufacture, it's just up to you if you want it come in a BMW box or a Kia box"