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Sea Star Hydraulic Steering

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by 92Searay-37', Jun 24, 2025 at 6:39 AM.

  1. 92Searay-37', Jun 24, 2025 at 6:39 AM
    #1
    92Searay-37'

    92Searay-37' New Member

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    I have an older Teleflex BA175-7TM hydraulic steering cylinder on my 2000 56' Ocean Yacht.

    I am experiencing very bumpy/lumpy steering as well as hard to turnover. In your opinion is this a system bleeding issue or something with seals in the helm or cylinder itself. I see no noticeable leaks.

    Another concern is that in the picture attached you can see the bleeder valves have been connected with tubing. I am unsure if that is appropriate to be like that all the time. I have read that this is a way to by-pass and bleed the system but unsure if it should be left there.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated.

    Attached Files:

  2. Capt Ralph, Jun 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
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    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Your very bumpy/lumpy steering may not be from your hydraulic system.
    Air in the system may cause some mush but not hard to turnover issues.

    I fear you have fouled rudders or a binding rudder post. Disconnect the linkage and hand rotate the rudders to check this.

    Leave the bleeder tubing in place. It needs never be removed or opened up.

    I see pink in that picture, somebody already been messing with that cylinder or is it leaking?
    rtrafford likes this.
  3. rtrafford, Jun 24, 2025 at 10:17 AM
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    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Rudder bearing is a reasonable suspect. Been there. Bought the ride.
  4. Pascal, Jun 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Bumpy or hard steering isn’t an hydraulic issue but a hardware problem. I had this happen on an 84 which developed a hard spot turning to port. You d have to crank up the steering and then the rudder would jump

    Nobody could figure it out then while returning from a pre purchase survey sea trial the tiller just broke coming into the channel to the marina. Rudders were pretty much amidship so I put my poker face on and slowed down steering with the engines all the way to the slip. Nobody noticed… neither the surveyor, brokers, buyers etc. Turned out to be the rudder bearing.
  5. 92Searay-37', Jun 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
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    92Searay-37'

    92Searay-37' New Member

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    I'm not sure, when I say bumpy/lumpy I mean there is a lot of play in the wheel.

    I can make a 3/4 rotation and the rudder won't turn. Then you may feel some resistance, then kind of a bump, easier, resistance, bump while then the rudder is moving and boat is turning.

    It is the same in both directions.

    Also, if I use the auto pilot the boat reacts to change in direction efficiently and like normal.
  6. alvareza, Jun 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
    #6
    alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

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    You might be low on fluid. The steering wheel is higher than the auto pilot pump. Auto pilot might have enough fluid to work well despite the system being low on fluid
  7. Capt Ralph, Jun 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
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    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    You have no idea how hard that AP pump is working to turn the rudders.
    Yes, check the fluid levels.
    Then check your rudders as responded to and not argue to your responses.

    I am constantly at a loss when people argue with responses.
    If their the sudden expert, then why ask us?
  8. 92Searay-37', Jun 24, 2025 at 8:44 PM
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    92Searay-37'

    92Searay-37' New Member

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    I'm not saying I'm an expert, I'm being a bit humble in the sense I am not sure I am describing the situation and trying to provide as much info as possible.

    I am no expert by any means.

    Just having conversation between a group of helpful/knowledgeable folks and maybe learn something.
  9. Pascal, Jun 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
    #9
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Low fluid will result in the wheel turning loose. What you describe is rudders binding.
  10. mfan46, Jun 25, 2025 at 6:45 AM
    #10
    mfan46

    mfan46 Member

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    Check those tie rod ends. They can freeze up causing tightness in steering.
  11. Capt J, Jun 25, 2025 at 8:59 AM
    #11
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Call a professional or take the vessel to a boat yard to have fixed. Steering is nothing that you want to mess with if you're not knowledgeable. It sounds to me like it's frozen rudder bearings.