One of the most common issues seen with hydraulic steering is water intrusion or air in the system, which leads to rust inside the system causing it to not properly work. With basic maintenance and awareness of your hydraulic system, you can in most cases catch this issue before it becomes fatal. Water intrusion can come from a variety of situations on a steering system. A bad seal, a nick in the shaft, electrolysis on the shaft, loose fittings, and basic wear and tear are only a few of the causes.
Here are some symptoms:
Here are some symptoms:- Wheel spinning freely – contamination in the system or the check ball not seated.
- Motor walking – indicates a leak or the system is not purged correctly.
- Clicking when the wheel is being turned – contamination in the helm, causing pistons, and/or check valves to stick.
- Electrolysis comes from the current from the motor that runs through the cylinder shaft, which causes the nickel plating to separate from the metal shaft. This causes damage to the glands that in turn can lead to water getting in the system.
- Fluid dripping from helm or shaft seals on the cylinder or having to add fluid to the system means there is a bad seal. A lot of issues can be resolved by just a reseal of the unit. And for preventive maintenance this can be performed at a cost effective price to ensure your unit is properly working.
Fluid Technologies is a Jacksonville-based company started nearly 20 years ago that stays current with factory standards and techniques to provide up-to-date and quality service to the customer. With a full-time technician with over 20 years of experience and a comprehensive test facility, they have the ability to service many hydraulic units that are out in the field. They currently service and repair of all Sea Star units including older Teleflex, Capilano, Hynautic, and Baystar systems. Also, Sea Star power steering units and Power purge systems can be serviced under some circumstances. All repairs come with a one-year limited warranty. Only factory parts and test parameters are used when repairing and testing units. They offer rush service when needed, and typical turnaround time is only 5-7 business days.
Fluid Technologies also sells refurbished helms and cylinders that meet factory standards. In addition to Hydraulic repairs, Fluid Technologies is also a certified Lewmar repair facility that repairs the majority of Lewmar windlasses. As these units have a strenuous job, they do have the potential to fail. As always, Fluid Tech only uses factory parts and can repair these units in a fraction of the cost for a new one.
Fluid Tech is located at 3477 Lakeshore Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl 32210. Call them at 904-389-4536 or see their website at www.charlesaperry.com.