Hydrive Hydrolic Steering problem question

[quobbarockhopper]

Hi

I have recently installed a Hydrive Admiral kit to my Yamaha F150 and have a question about a slight fault I have found. The steering performs well, but noticed when I was doing some post operation checks after my last trip (when theboat was out of the water) that when I turn the steering to the full lock rightthe steering makes a repetitive ticking sound and the steering wheel jars slightly. This only occurs for approximately the last 1/4 , 1/5 of the steeringrange when turning it to the right. I haven’t testedthis in the water yet so am unsure if it occurs only when dry or also when inthe water

- What isthe issue with this? Im thinking it might be air in the system, but if so, why would it only occur on the far extremities of the steering?

- How can I correct this?

- As it does not affect the steering during “normal” operation, If I continue tooperate the boat without rectifying the problem (I would like to take it outagain shortly), am I at risk of losing steering/ damaging the system etc whilston the water?

Thanks in advance, any guidance/ advice would be greatly appreciated

[Moonlighter]

Probably air in the system.

But I suggest that you phone Hydrive. They are at Cleveland, qld, and are very helpful. Nothing better that getting it direct from the horses mouth!

12/ 73-75 Shore Street
Ormiston‎ QLD‎ 4163
Australia
07 38212520

[scottar]

If the motor was trimmed up at the time there is nothing wrong. What you are seeing/hearing is the weight of the motor activating the lock valve as it tips over. Just make sure you have no leaks and the system is bled properly.

[quobbarockhopper]

Scottar- interesting mate, thanks for that. the motor was probably at about 1/3-1/2 trim when I did it, will give it a shot when its down

[Crunchy]

That's normal, mine does the same. Assuming your not losing fluid?

[odes20]

If its a bit chattery in sound it will be a little air. HyDrive are really helpful when you call, and their Installation Manual demands to be strictly followed. And with good reason. Either way they have great products and very reliable.

[scottar]

No worries. You will find that the further the motor is trimmed up the more noticable this is and it will happen as soon as the motor is away from centre. If you don't already, it is advisable to keep a bit of hydraulic fluid in a bottle in the boat just in case there is a bit of air left in the system. The air will eventually come to the top and if it is of sufficent quantity the helm may require a top up. I carry mine in an old sauce bottle that was cleaned out - makes it easy to get into the helm without spilling too much.

[Crunchy]

I'm sure it says somewhere in the manual that ticking sound is normal and if by "slightly" you mean very slightly then it's normal. Will try to find the reference to it I refer to.

[Greg P]

The ticking is just the gerotor pump operating as you turn the wheel I would think. Towards the end of cylinder travel the pressure is building and some internal valves/porting are functioning. Perfectly normal. Worth a check on the oil level though and run through the bleed procedure.

[quobbarockhopper]

cheers guys, much appreciated. have shot Hydrive an email, will wait to hear back from them- when I get home from work next week I may even video it and send it through to be sure. I live in far north WA so not really an option to bring it to them.

Hopefully it wont happen if Ive got the motor trimmed down in the usual operating range, will wait and see when I can give it a test.

Havent had a go at bleeding it before, but will have a suss if need be.

Will definitely be packing a some spare fluid as well as you suggested scottar. Is there any brand/ type in particular I should be using?

[scottar]

In a pinch it doesn't really matter but it is best practice to not mix fluids so if you used the genuine hydrive stuff that came with the install kit, it is a good idea to stick with that.

[odes20]

I rang HyDrive and chatted one day and he said any fluid for such units would be fine, and I got a litre of Teleflex at BCF