We will suggest you check hydraulic fluid level and keep sufficient fluidin it. If there is a lower fluid level, try turning the wheel from lock to lock multiple times and add fluid in stages. We hope that you are getting broad in detail ideas onhow to troubleshoot sea star hydraulic steering problems.
What are the most common seastar hydraulic steering problems?
So let’s take a look at some of the most common SeaStar hydraulic steering problems and what to do when you encounter them. The first signs of trouble are probably going to be difficulty steering. For example, you may feel a spongy pressure when you try to steer.
How do you fill a hydraulic steering wheel with fluid?
Filling a hydraulic steering wheel is simple. Start by threading a filler tube into the helm pump. Thread the fluid container onto the filler tube by poking a hole at the bottom. Turn upside down and pour while steering to the portside. Using standard hydraulic steering fluid by SeaStar is better.
What is the best hydraulic steering system for a boat?
The SeaStar Hydraulic steering system is by far the most reliable in the industry. It can handle outboard, stern board, and inline engines fairly easily. It has different specialized control functions for each. The helm support found in these kits makes your life so much simpler on the water.
How do you purge hydraulic steering?
To purge the hydraulic steering, you’ll be putting hydraulic fluid into one end of the system and draining it out of the other end. Therefore, you’ll need something to add the fluid into the helm pump, and something to catch the fluid being expelled from the steering cylinder.

How do you disassemble a SeaStar hydraulic steering wheel?
1:2920:24Diagnose, Disassemble and Rebuild SeaStar Marine Steering SystemYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComing. Okay now the next step we're going to take is to break the end caps loose on the cylinder.MoreComing. Okay now the next step we're going to take is to break the end caps loose on the cylinder. It's important to break those things loose.
How do you bleed a SeaStar hydraulic steering system?
2:003:13How to Bleed SeaStar Steering System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGo all the way over to the. Left look at all those air bubbles that come up that's what we want.MoreGo all the way over to the. Left look at all those air bubbles that come up that's what we want. Right through there. Now once you got all the air lines out you go ahead and shake this.
How do you test a SeaStar hydraulic steering wheel?
1:574:31Teleflex - Hydraulic Steering Maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook at all of the mechanical connections. Make sure everything is tight. If you find anything looseMoreLook at all of the mechanical connections. Make sure everything is tight. If you find anything loose tighten it up if you find something loose inspect.
How do I refill my SeaStar hydraulic steering?
1:013:56Easy Hydraulic Steering Fluid Top-Off - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipVery simply just tilt this end. Up you'll see the fluid start to transfer from the bottle. Into ourMoreVery simply just tilt this end. Up you'll see the fluid start to transfer from the bottle. Into our steering.
How do you get air out of hydraulic steering?
0:103:15How to Bleed Purge Boat Hydraulic Steering System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCylinder. Their job is going to be to open and close the bleeder valves as well as periodicallyMoreCylinder. Their job is going to be to open and close the bleeder valves as well as periodically pushing the engine giving a good hard shove to get out any additional air.
What type of fluid goes in a sea star steering system?
Teleflex Seastar Hydraulic Oil is the preferred steering fluid for use in all Seastar, Baystar and Hynautic steering systems. It is the required steering fluid for Seastar steering systems under warranty.
How do you repair a hydraulic boat steering wheel?
8:4910:53Fixing Boat Hydraulic Steering! Bleeding Boat Hydraulic SteeringYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil all of the air bubbles stop coming out of the bleeder. Then we'll close off that bleeder. AndMoreUntil all of the air bubbles stop coming out of the bleeder. Then we'll close off that bleeder. And move the hose and jar over to the opposite bleeder. And do the same process.
How do you lubricate Seastar hydraulic steering?
Grease the support rod liberally and insert back into the tilt tube. Also grease the tilt tube itself, as well as the support bracket holes. Put a little grease on the threads before you insert the washers and tighten up the nuts. (DO NOT remove the tiller bolt to re-grease the cylinder.)
Why is my Seastar steering hard?
Check the wing-nut. On the bottom of the steering column is a little plastic wing-nut that can be used to add resistance to turning the wheel. Make sure that the nut is not tight. If this is not the problem, your hydraulic steering ram on the engine may be coroded or pitted inside or on the shaft.
How much fluid does a SeaStar hydraulic steering hold?
Generally, 2 quarts are required for single station, single cylinder filling.
How do you check SeaStar hydraulic fluid?
0:034:47Boating Tips & Tricks Hydraulic Steering - Checks and topping up ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it's important to remember never remove this bung with the engines running if you've got a powerMoreSo it's important to remember never remove this bung with the engines running if you've got a power steering system this means this helm units pressurized. And you quit in that of oil on the roof.
Why is my boat hydraulic steering loose?
You most probably have air in the system, and the air is low in the system, thus it pushed the fluid out of the inlet. If you turn the wheel back and forth both ways until it stops a few times the air will float to the top and you can eventually refill it.
How do you bleed inboard Seastar hydraulic steering?
1:2013:11Bubble Purge™ SeaStar Hydraulic Steering Bleed Repair OSTYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn our bleed fittings loose about a half turn full turn whatever you will know that they are looseMoreTurn our bleed fittings loose about a half turn full turn whatever you will know that they are loose. And doing their thing when you go to turn the steering wheel.
How do you purge hydraulic steering on a boat?
0:0010:01How To Bleed Marine Hydraulic Steering EASILY. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHey what's going on everybody in today's episode I'm going to show you how to bleed your marineMoreHey what's going on everybody in today's episode I'm going to show you how to bleed your marine hydraulic steering system and twelve easy steps. So stay with me and let's get started these are the
How much fluid does a Seastar hydraulic steering hold?
Generally, 2 quarts are required for single station, single cylinder filling.
How do you bleed a hydraulic steering system on a boat?
How to Bleed Hydraulic Marine SteeringTop off the fluid in your hydraulic system.Locate the bleed valves on the fitting where the steering hoses are connected to the ram. ... Turn the boat's steering wheel to port until air stops coming out of the bleed valves on the ram. ... Close the port bleed valve.More items...
Background
Over an extended period of time, boat helm pump shaft seals begin to fail, causing steering fluid to leak.
Looking For a New Helm?
Most SeaStar helm pumps are still available for purchase or at the very least there is a similar replacement. See our SeaStar Helm Pump page for more information.
2nd Option
Include a note in the box with return address, contact, and helm information, no need to checkout online.
Other Info
Seatech Marine Products, located in San Diego, CA has over 30+ years in the marine service business. We are an authorized dealer for Dometic Seastar, and are well versed of the ins and outs of your helm.
How to feed Seastar hydraulic fluid?
PRO TIP – Cut off the bottom of an old SeaStar hydraulic fluid bottle, then turn the bottle upside down and suspend it above the helm pump. Connect the bottle and helm with a filler tube to establish a gravity feed system. The gravity feed can be continuously topped off by pouring new hydraulic fluid into the cutaway end of the upturned bottle.You can use full bottles of hydraulic fluid instead of a gravity feed system, but you’ll have to change the bottles, and it’s a lot more labor intensive. Any old container can be used to catch the fluid expelled from the steering cylinder.
How many people do you need to bleed a Seastar steering system?
Bleeding or purging a SeaStar hydraulic steering system is easy to do, but requires two people, so make sure you have an assistant on hand to help you out.
How to fill helm pump?
Fill the helm pump with hydraulic fluid before connecting the filler tube. It’s much easier to fill the helm this way, and it reduces the possibility of air becoming trapped in the helm pump. Once the helm pump is full, connect the gravity feed system to the helm via the filler tube. If you’re not using a gravity feed system, connect a new bottle of hydraulic fluid to the helm pump with a filler tube.
What does turning clockwise do to a cylinder?
Turning clockwise with a front mount cylinder system will cause the rod to extend starboard, and vice-versa.
Where should helm fluid be filled?
PRO TIP: SeaStar recommends that all helm pumps are filled to the bottom of the filler hole, and that the fluid in horizontally mounted helms never falls lower than 1/4" from the filler hole, and fluid in helms mounted at 20° (or with a vertical wheel shaft) never falls lower than 1/2" of the filler hole.
How to fix a steering wheel that is locked?
Turn the steering wheel to full lock in one direction, and then apply additional force to pressurize the system. Keep pressure on the wheel while your assistant checks all the hydraulic connections and fittings for leaks . Correct any leaks that are found. Next, turn to the lock in the opposite direction and repeat the process.
Which way does a side mount cylinder go?
Turning counter-clockwise with a side mount/splashwell mount cylinder system will cause the rod to move in a starboard direction, and vice-versa.
