Seastar 1.7 Helm Front Seal Replacment

[@bruceblankenship4748]

This took longer to get the tools together than to get the steering wheel off. Life made simple. Great video !

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Glad you found it helpful. Sometimes getting the steering wheel can be a real pain.

[@deandaniel007]

Thank you for the video. It helped me save $200

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Glad I was able to put something out that helps.

[@SMSilvers]

Thank you!

[@deez2glocks]

Thank you. Appreciate it

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Glad you found the video useful.

[@raultorres3322]

Thanks a lot

[@SouthernBear71]

thank you for the video

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Glad some people are finding it useful.

[@peterraguseo2874]

Is it worth hitting the shaft with a little 1500grit wet/dry sandpaper or emery cloth? I'm wondering if the shaft corrodes and eats up the seal/x ring.

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

I’d say if corrosion is present and as long as you are using a fine grit like that to keep it smooth it should be fine. This one has been working great since the repair and no other issues have presented.

[@JeffGlidden-wy5zc]

How tight do you tighten the screws ? Just snug or nice and tight ?

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Snug. They don’t need anything crazy.

[@christianthearborist844]

How do you know how much fluid to put back in? Mine has been leaking for awhile so how do i know how much to add after i do everything else?

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

@@christianthearborist844 you fill it to the top. Best to use the hose that threads in so you can turn the steering side to side while working out all air bubbles in the system. When it’s full put the cap back on.

[@user-km3zc6lw8p]

Did u have to empty the fluid out of system before doing this

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

No you don’t need to empty the fluid. A small amount may seep out but no more than you can handle with a paper towel.

[@tonybell9201]

What does that semi circle metal thats on the shaft do?

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

It is a keyway. It keeps the steering wheel from spinning on the shaft. There is a notch on the shaft and one on the inside of the steering wheel hub so they fit together with the key between them.

[@tonybell9201]

@@captleesoutdooradventures7133 would it cause your steering wheel to free spin if it came loose some how?

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Yes it could. But it’s more likely that you have an air bubble or low steering fluid. It would be pretty hard to break that. Once the steering is in place there really isn’t anywhere for it to fall out either.

[@puzer1]

...if it's leaking to that degree, that pump has all kinds of rust and corrosion inside...putting a new shaft seal is just a band aid...that pump needs to be rebuilt or replaced...

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

It’s been almost 2 years since I did the repair. So while this may be the case sometimes this repair has proven to not be a band-aid.

[@mitchmccauley9266]

No need to bleed it?

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

Not to replace this seal. No air is introduced into the system from this swap. It’s just keeping fluid from leaking out.

[@brandonfield7937]

Is there a rear seal on these units? I have a leak that looks similar too yours. The fluid runs down at the bottom base of the unit down to the floor. Just curious if there's other locations from the helm to leak from that would have fluid leaking from the same location you illustrated. Thanks. Brandon

[@captleesoutdooradventures7133]

This is usually the seal that’s leaking down the base and looks like it’s running out of the back. The only thing you will have on the back of the helm that could leak would be the threaded fittings where your steering hoses connect. Most likely this seal is your problem. A small fluid leak goes a long way.

[@brandonfield7937]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the come back. This was a very helpful tutorial an again appreciated 🙏🏼

[@brianragin9459]

Thanks. Great video.