Outboard Hydraulic Steering: Damaged Steering Cylinder

[@apackwestbound5946]

Welcome back, good to hear you Tyler.

[@randykane474]

Following.

[@kurtnulty6922]

I have a Honda 130 hp a d when I go over 10 mph it's hard to turn left, I have sea star sterring would air in lines cause this . It turn ok when sitting still. Thanks

[@outboardst.comoutboardspec8631]

Hi Kurt, If air is in the steering system it will cause the system to react sluggishly when turning, especially under a load. It is not unusual for the system to work fine with no load on it on a trailer for example, and in the water the system malfunctions. There can also be an issue with the valves in the helm being either contaminated or pitted out and not being able to build and hold pressure under heavy load, but works fine on the trailer. Push the motor side to side by hand when it is on the trailer. If there is more than about half an inch of movement on the cylinder there is either air in the system or the helm valves are malfunctioning. If the cylinder only moves about 1/4 inch and feels good but you see the steering wheel move (starts turning with no one touching the wheel) when the motor is pushed then the helm valves may be the culprit.