Steering wheel squeeky

[TunaJoe]

I finally was able to take my new 2520XL out on Mother's day for it's maiden voyage and the boat ran great! Electronics performed flawless too.
The only thing that was a bit confusing was the Yamaha square gauges(not sure how to operate) and the steering wheel was really squeeky.
Turned ok. Just squeeky.
Anyone else have this problem?

 

[MaxOut]

Yes, you need to bleed the system and put the OEM recommended fluid in it. Take it to the dealer. Do Not Delay. When I purchased mine I had the same problem and found they used transmission fluid instead of the expensive SeaStear fluid when bleeding in the second station. Demand it is drained and replaced with the proper fluid. If is not clear it’s not the right fluid.

 

[TunaJoe]

Interesting.
Now that I think of it, the fluid is red. Isnt transmision fluid red?

 

[grouperjim]

Now that you mention it...... my steering was not working well either when I first got the boat home from the dealer, and summer heat was just then happening. A lot of red fluid leaked out of the small knurled knob just in front of the steering wheel. Had to wipe up a ton of fluid off the floor.

Let me see if I can remember what I did.?

First, I let the pressure off the knob in front of the steering wheel.....rag in hand. Then I got the sea star fitting and fill hose which screws into where the knob was. Hold the sea star fluid container up in the air. I then turned the steering wheel to the right and gave it a little force at the stop, then all the way to the left and again a little force at the stop. Then straightened the wheel, lowered the fluid container, disconnected fitting (rag in hand) and re-installed the knurled knob. It was a very hot day when I did it.......no leaks since then, smooth steering too.

Not sure I did it the right way or not.....but fixed the problem.

 

[MaxOut]

Now that you mention it...... my steering was not working well either when I first got the boat home from the dealer, and summer heat was just then happening. A lot of red fluid leaked out of the small knurled knob just in front of the steering wheel. Had to wipe up a ton of fluid off the floor.

Let me see if I can remember what I did.?

First, I let the pressure off the knob in front of the steering wheel.....rag in hand. Then I got the sea star fitting and fill hose which screws into where the knob was. Hold the sea star fluid container up in the air. I then turned the steering wheel to the right and gave it a little force at the stop, then all the way to the left and again a little force at the stop. Then straightened the wheel, lowered the fluid container, disconnected fitting (rag in hand) and re-installed the knurled knob. It was a very hot day when I did it.......no leaks since then, smooth steering too.

Not sure I did it the right way or not.....but fixed the problem.

This similar procedure is in the manual for the SeaStar steering. With dual stations you start with the front and work your way back. SeaStar fluid is clearish yellow not red. If you have red fluid chances are it is not the recommended fluid. (TunaJoe) the package that came with my new Parker had a hose that connects to the Sea Star fluid bottle or to helm pump to see air bubbles. Use the manual for the procedure to purge the system. I would insist the dealer does it if it is brand new and look at the fluid while you are there and you will see it is not red and very expensive ($17.00 a Quart). All hydraulic fluids are not the same. I own lots of heavy equipment and if you skimp it may cost you BIG. I would not let a Dodge dealer put transmission fluid in the power steering of a new Viper I purchased. Would you??? No different than your Parker (100K) Besides if you really want to save a few dollars on fluid would you skimp on the steering??????? :shock: :shock: NOT ME. Good Luck

 

[susqking]

I had questions regarding the fluid and I emailed Sea Star, they actually recommend quite a few different fluids that are good to use. Send them and email, they will send you a list.

 

[MaxOut]

I had questions regarding the fluid and I emailed Sea Star, they actually recommend quite a few different fluids that are good to use. Send them and email, they will send you a list.

Please post. :lol:

 

[TunaJoe]

I called the dealer where my Parker was purchased and they service mgr said the fluid is put in at the factory.
So, I called Parker and spoke to a person who said they have used a fluid rec by Seastar/Teleflex.
Here is the hydraulic fluids rec by Teleflex: ( out of my owners manual)
SeaStar Hyd fluid part no. HA5430 (1 quart) or HA5440(1 gal)
Texaco HO15
Aero Shell fluid #41
Esso Univis N15
Chevron Aviation Fuid A
Mobil Aero HFA
Fluids meeting Mil H5606 Specs
*"Automatic Trans fluid DexronII may be used in an emergency"
"In cases of extrme emergency, any non toxic, non flammable fluid may provide temporary steering"
Never use Brake fluid

 

[TunaJoe]

BTW, I took the boat out yesterday and after a shot of WD 40, seems better. :lol: