Steering

Larry Patrick · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 7:26 pm Post subject: Steering

On the 2008 venture 23,is there a way to adjust steering at the wheel? Starting to feel tight and kinda like its sticking close to turning all the way one direction or the other. Was just wondering if cables or if there is some type of adjustment.

BrentB · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:25 pm Post subject:

I dont know who makers the helm. For Seastar helms, check the fluid level and ram for leaks

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:26 pm Post subject:

If you have cable steering, there's a good chance you need to lube things. There should be multiple threads on this, plus a few YouTube tutorials.

I believe they recommend annual preventive maintenance.

thataway · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:44 pm Post subject:

Although I believe that the 2008 Venture, has hydraulic steering, you need to confirm that. The push pull cables used in the last few years do not have user serviceable lubrication--there used to be a kit you could add to lube the cable.

The outboard will have at least two zerk fittings which need lube. You may need to remove any salt and grease which may have impacted around the shaft.

You can remove the bolt which holds the outboard tiller to the steering bar, and see if it is the motor or the steering mechanism.

We need to know more.

Jake · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 171

Should the steering rams be lubricated on a regular basis? I so, what product to use?

BrentB · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:53 am Post subject:

Not all rams have grease fittings. Mine does not. I clean the ram, apply thin coat of grease and check for seal leakage. It is a SeaStar by Teleflex ram. If it leaks again instead of replacing the seals, I will be installed UFLEX ram which is a better unit. The manufacturer might specified a type usually a marine grade grease. It should be posted online . I use OMC "purple" or Triple guard marine waterproof grease. Several companies sell the purple grease under their name and heard it comes from the same plant with several production lines.
Lucas has one but have not tried but it is red, marine grade and waterproof. I like Lucas. They have done a lot of good deeds in Indiana

thataway · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 12:43 pm Post subject:

I just keep the rams clean--salt, sand and dog hair are the most frequent culprits in damage to the seals.

If you boat in salt water, then rinse and dry each time. If at Powell, regularly clean with water, and dry (especially after a sand storm!

If I have driven across country, I will clean the rods, before using the boat. In the dusty environment my feeling is that it is better to have a dry rod, than one with grease, which will attract sand and grit. In a non sandy environment, I might feel different.

BrentB · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:00 pm Post subject:

If you have pitting on the ram, you might need to add ground strap

Will-C · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 2:02 pm Post subject: Steering

Larry,
You have hydraulic steering. I would first tilt the motor all the way up and look for a grease fitting that is about half way up on the starboard side of the motor looking forward from the rear of the boat. That fitting greases the main vertical shaft that the motor turns from side to side on and I would grease it regularly with water proof grease while someone moves the steering wheel. There are other grease fittings on the horizontal shaft the motor that need grease to allow the motor to pivot up and down.
I would try and leave the motor turned when storing for the winter so the least amount of the hydraulic ram that attaches to the motor is exposed.
D.D.

Larry Patrick · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:46 pm Post subject:

Thanks Dave and everyone for responses.