Hydraulic steering questions

[Peter]

Can anyone direct me to a primer on hydraulic steering maintenance and repair?
Mine is currently working fine. In the meantime I'd like to learn enough about it to keep it that way.

Peter

[In Memory of Vicroy]

A. Spray it all (head, fittings, ram) with Corrosion X.

B. Repeat A above......

UV

[Bruce]

Peter,
What type do you have?

Teleflex(helm Resivour) or pressurized Hynautic type that uses a seperate resivour with tire valve and pressure gauge on top?

About the only thing with the Teleflex is keeping the fluid topped off,(will evaporate over time) and watch the seals for leaks at the helm(weak spot) and cylinder at rudders.

Hynautic type is keeping 35psi on the gauge, leaks around air valve, gauge and level bubbles and seals just like above.

Both are reliable long lasting systems with care.

Try not to use ATF as fluid. Use Teleflex steering fluid or shell aeroshell hydraulic fluid. It will operate much smoother.

Repairs depend on what's wrong.

[Tommy]

Bruce,

My Hynautic steering has always shown around 20 lbs of air pressure and woks fine. Should I pressure up to your recommended 35 psi, or should I leave "well enough" alone (or as Vic would say, "the enemy of good is better").

You are right about the NCMS; the races at Rockingham were some of my favorites....the track had multiple grooves, and there were no bad seats at the place.

Tommy

[Bruce]

Tommy,
I've seen the system work on as low as 5psi.
All the pressure does is keep the fluid at the helm.

But the recomendation is 35.
20 works fine.

[Peter]

Bruce, I have a remote reservoir with a busted pressure gauge. Things have been working fine, but that pressure gauge with no face or needle is making me wonder what's up and precipitated the original post.
Should I bother to replace the gauge or just check the pressure from time to time at the air valve? When/if I do replace the gauge is there a refilling/bleeding procedure?

BTW I coat all the stuff I can with CX on a regular basis. I was a CRC addict, but UV converted me!

[Bruce]

peter, replace the gauge, it is an essential piece of equipment.

I would also replace the tire valve, cheap and the rubber gasket seal will go bad and leak.
Make sure you have a cap on the tire valve.

If you let the system air out to replace the guage, as long as you get it replaced within 1/2 hour, just repressurize. No need to bleed.

[In Memory Walter K]

Now that Hydnautic doesn't exist, anywhere you'd recommend to get the gauge and valve replacements? Walter

[Bruce]

Plumbing supply houses, auto parts stores, internet, ww grainger or any place like it, pump repair shops, well pump shops.

Nothing special about the gauge or valve.

[jrwolfe]

Hynautic has ended up at Teleflex--Sea Star. The web site is seastarsteering.com. They sell Hynautic steering systems and parts.

[Kevin]

Drained my Sea Star system at the helm about 5 months ago for project. Is there any problem with letting it sit without fluid for long periods of time? Guess maybe I should have asked that 5 months ago. Kevin

[Bruce]

No Problems as long as the lines and helm are sealed to prevent dust and dirt from entering.
Dust and dirt will destroy a hydraulic system.

[Peter]

Thank you, Bruce and everyone else.

Gotta luv this site...Thanks Capt'n Pat

Peter