I have a 24 ft. Leguna powered by a 250 Merc (1996) outboard.

I noticed last time out that my hydraulic steering seemed to slip once or twice on the return trip to base. When turning the wheel, it almost seemed to slip an inch or so before it grabbed again. The fluid level was full and am wondering:
1. Could it be an early sign of the pump going?
2. If I lose the pump would the steering be possible but very stiff but managable to get back to port. (Like an auto power steering problem)
Appreciate any thoughts and recommendations...

LT

If you loose the pump you won't have any steering. what do you mean by "slip" the reel has no resistance and then it pick up resistance again?

Lt.

My set up is for an inboard and different....and I'm not sure what manufacture it is since it is steel and unreadable......but,

although your level looks good there could be a bit of air (the most common problem for sluggishness) in the hoses. I have a needle valve at the working end that lets me rotate the pump "wheel" continuosuly to remove any air and fill when the level drops, you may not have that luxury.

If you do have that option and wanted to flush "clean" your system to maybe free up a ball check you can do this with a bit of diesel "(thin hydraulic oil)" and then refill with hydraulic oil.

Is your piston shaft still straight and not sticking?

Hope you make out OK.

Mako Mike,

It actually had resistance, then no resistance for maybe a 2" turn of the wheel..., then seemed to grab resistance again. I tried it again today and it seemed O.k. so I'll watch it. I thought worse case scenario I could at least limp back to the dock but you say that's not the case? Thank-You for the heads up.

Beamie,
Thank-You for your suggestion..I may have to use it in the near future.

LT

mine used to do that when it was cold.
i ignored it and it went away:)

you can bleed those to see if there's air in it.. fill the wheel and bleed from the back.
takes two guys..

LTD,
I would try bleeding it. It sounds like you might have a little air in it.

Sounds like air, see if you can bleed the helm too.