The Mariah Owners Club - hard steering

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- - hard steering (http://www.mariahownersclub.com/forum/original-mariah-talk/2673-hard-steering.html)

1996 jubilee with bravo 3 drive. Sometimes it can be hard to steer, especially when first driving it at low speeds. I would think you should be able to steer this with one finger but it takes 2 hands. It does not have a trim tab as far as I can see to do any adjusting.

Re: hard steering

Hi duketter,

The Mercruiser models with power steering do not use the Trim Tabs, especially the Bravo III (the counter rotating props cancel the torque steer).

Although the steering system is relatively simple, like many things on a boat, it can take some time to diagnose and repair the problem.

Lets start with the obvious:
Check the Power Steering fluid, see if it's full.
Check to see if the belts are adjusted properly.
Check for any leakage at the pump, hoses and at the ram.
Have the Steering system and gimbal been lubed regularly or maintained?

If the first three look OK, I recommend having a qualified service center check it out. You may have a bind in the steering cable or gimbal.

Good luck,
WetWilly

Re: hard steering

thanks for the reply. I checked fluids and all seem to be full. Not sure on regular maintenance since just bought the boat used. However it is in great shape and very well taken care of. I am thinking probably a bind in the steering cable or something. I will check there first and go from there.

Thanks!