Power steering leak at helm

I

imspacemancraig

Member
Joined
May 24, 2009
RO Number
31301
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543
On my '86 Mariner, seems I have a small leak with the steering wheel fluid. Looks to be coming out right on the steering wheel shaft. Anyone ever have a similar issue and thoughts on how to fix?

Also, anyone know where to add steering fluid? I assume in the engine compartment, but not sure where...
 
It's not power steering, it's hydraulic...or more correctly Hynautic. More than likely a seal has let go in the helm unit. You can buy a rebuild kit from Hynautic or remove the unit and take it to a shop. From what I understand, rebuilding the unit can be a little tedious with the ball bearings and seals, but if you have the patience and hand/eye coordination, it can be done. The resevoir is in the engine room. If you have the 3297 Mariner, it is at the rear of the port gas tank and has a little pressure guage mounted on the top. If you have the 28 Mariner someone else will have to tell you. Google Hynautic Marine Steering and you'll find everything you wanted to know about the system.
 
It is a 3297, so I will take a look at it. Do you know what kind of fluid gets added in case it is low?

Thanks for the info!!
 
You are supposed to use hydraulic fluid specially designed for the system-via Teleflex/Hynuautic for optimum life of the system at $20 a qt.
 
You are supposed to use hydraulic fluid specially designed for the system-via Teleflex/Hynuautic for optimum life of the system at $20 a qt.
 
Thanks cmariner32! I will take a look this weekend. I think I know where you are talking about, right between the water heater and gas tank. How do you know if full, low, empty, etc.?

I will take a look online as well, is there somewhere I can tell if that is the right brand?
 
There is a sight glass on the side but on mine, it is hard to see the level-getting down to eye level takes being a contortionist. I carefully unscrew the pressure guage (slowly relieving the pressure and stuck a small stick down to measure the depth. The normal and low levels are noted on the side of the resevoir.
 
Thanks once again cmariner32!! I even brought out my old manual and found the section on the steering mechanism and everything you stated is spot on. I have a mechanic who is going to come out and take a look at the back-end stuff. I may work on the helm part, but I want someone to take a look. After reading the manual, guess I notice that the steering is hard to do and seeing as this is hydraulic, I would expect it to steer a little easier than it does. Hopefully an easy fix and just needs some fluids added/bled.
 
Update, had my mechanic take a look at this, just needed to add some hydraulic fluid to the canister in the engine compartment (right where you said it would be) and used a simple bicycle pump to add some air pressure and is working nicely now. I still need to purchase the repair kit for the helm to stop the leaking up there, but it is a very small leak and can work on this with attention to detail now!
 
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