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Hydarulic Steering

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 8:05 pm
by Expatriate
All,

There are some references to steering in the forum, but none that cover my current problem. I was trying to route a GPS cable down to a new AIS system at the inside helm. I was running the cable down the wiring chase on the starboard side between the windows. I needed to do a little cutting and grinding at the bottom to open it up so I could see what was going on in there to make the turn to go into the area behind the wheel. In the process, I drilled directly into one of the hydraulic steering lines that goes to the fly bridge. It's not just a nick, I drilled it.

Anyway, after some inspection and head scratching, it looks like it will not be all that hard to replace the hydraulic hose. Having no experience with hydraulic steering, I need to know a couple of things before I proceed. The hose looks like it is about 3/8" outside diameter. Is it high pressure? I am thinking not so high because this is a steering system, not an earth mover. Who is the manufacturer of the steering system? Does it matter? Will a generic hose work? Any information will help. I am of the mind that I can install this hose myself. The biggest part of the job will be getting the air out of the line. And, of course, finding the right hose.

Thanks everyone.

Tim

PS: AIS is working great.

Re: Hydarulic Steering

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 7:51 am
by duetto
hi,

i would be calling seastar. they make the hose and the fittings that you'll need.

Re: Hydarulic Steering

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:08 am
by Expatriate
Thanks John. I will give that a shot.

Re: Hydarulic Steering

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 1:08 pm
by Spoff4
Once you have the line out, any hydraulic line fabricator can duplicate the line and fittings.

Re: Hydarulic Steering

Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2018 12:08 pm
by Expatriate
I ordered the hydraulic line on the internet. I don't recall what I paid for it, but it was in the neighborhood of a dollar or two a foot. I bought the compression end fittings at Ace hardware for about five bucks. The line I replaced was the compensation line going from the lower helm to the fly bridge. It is the third line and is supposed to help with bleeding and balancing the system. Anyway, once I got it past the turn going up from the helm, it was easy. I connected it all up and filled the upper helm with fluid while turning the wheel back and forth a little. Later I watched the hydraulic cylinders while my wife turned the wheel lock to lock. It looks like I just need to balance the system, and I am good to go. I may have avoided getting more air in the lines by not moving either helm at all until I made the repair.

This is my first experience with hydraulic steering, and it seems to have gone well. Of course I may have missed something. Please advise.

Tim