2000 2855 Hard Steering-gctid806562

[JaredT409]

I have a 2000 2855 with the 7.4 Mercruiser and Alpha 3 outdrive. The steering has been getting progressively harder over the last couple of years. The main difference was when it sat by salt water for a couple of months getting serviced last year. I have checked the power steering fluid and it all looks good. Can anyone shed some light on the possible issue? Maybe the steering cable? Are there any ways to check or troubleshoot? Thanks in advance.

Jared

[Guest]

Unfortunately there is no really easy way to drill down the problem, its going to be the cable, actuator or the pump. All the parts are spendy. The mercruiser manual says when diagnosing the tech should test the pressure at the power assist cylinder using a "special tool" that most don't have, so it's really a job for a tech unless you just wanna throw parts at it and start with a new pump. The merc pump is over $400.00. I have seen people get an automotive pump and use it by pulling parts off of the merc product. I have heard of it being a stiff cable so it's worth a check, at the actuator end, disconnect it and turn the wheel...it should be effortless. I have the same setup in my boat with 2 steerig stations, it is in pieces now because it was doing the same thing. I used it as an opportunity to upgrade the entire setup to hydrolic steering. If you are gonna keep your boat for a while you will never regret the upgrade and it would be easy on a single station with a short run. Hydrolic is the way to go, and the cost of a conventanal fix could get you half way to what the upgrade would be.

[builderdude]

17 year old boat is probably due for a new steering cable. Your 2855 w 7.4 will be fitted with a Bravo drive (I know that's what ya meant). Look at cleaning and re greasing the guide tube where the steering cable passes through at the transom end, the grease at the guide tube can become thick and sticky over time causing some stiff steering issues.

[JaredT409]

Appreciate the help. I will get down around the cylinder and see if i can find anything out. Supposed to take it out this weekend for the first time this year and sure would hate to have the cable break. I have read that can happen. Thanks again!

[builderdude]

Those cables are fairly stout, you're more likely to shear the pinion gear or break teeth off the rack long before the cable breaks. Give that guide tube a look, rotate the helm wheel so the cable is extended out of the guid tube and clean it off. You may find a shot of wd-40 or silicone spray in that area might help free it up, if not a new cable may be on your shopping list. As Valley suggested there are some tests you can do on the PA cylinder and power steering pump,