Power Steering - NOT JIMNY

Does anyone know of a way to simply check the pressure of a power steering pump?

I have an American Small Block Chevvy V8 in my boat which has cable steering feeding into a powered steering system.

The steering is very heavy after a winter layup. The diagrams below show the set-up




I guess I need to check the pressure, the manual refers to a steering pump pressure gauge. I guess (based on the rest of the boat) it will require a strange mix of metric, imperial and pipe threaded adaptors if I could find or borrow such an items

Any ideas on how to fault find this?

Martin

Based on the drawing I'd stick a pressure gauge between the pump and control valve and make sure you're getting pressure. Then if you can put it between the control valve and the actuator. As for failure points, I'd start with the pressure relief valve, then reseal the control valve and actuator. Although looking at it it looks like true power steering as opposed to power assisted like a car, so could it be stiff cables/linkages?

Thanks, the consensus of opinion from other sources is that it is the cable. Given that the pressure peaks at over 1100 PSI according to the manual the pressure tester seems to need to be a special one.

It is power assist rather than full power as the cable has a double end fitment. It fits onto the power valve and onto the steering rod itself so if you do loose power you still have steering. It does seem to be a fairly common issue that the cable suddenly does not survive a winter lay-up and, being "sealed for life", has to be replaced.

Martin

In that case before you buy a new cable I'd disconnect it at the leg end and confirm it is stiff to operate. You don't need any specialist kit to check it, just a 0-1500psi gauge and relevant fittings to t it in.