Ultraflex Hyraulic Steering

[robbo]

Can anyone help a relatively new, mechanically inept rib owner ( Me !! )

I have an ultraflex steering stystem on my newish rib (Feb 06 ).

The plug on the top of the steering console is seeping oil and has been doing so since I got the boat. At the moment there is no noticable change to the steering.

When I had some snags repaired in April the guy who came out form the company said it was just excess seepage.

The plug itself is tighened.

This can't be normal can it? I don't want to undo the plug incase the system is under pressure.

Any help gratefully received.

[codprawn]

Well my Hydrive system is doing it as well. Looks pretty normal to me - just annoying!!!

[robbo]

Thanks for the reply.

Do you have to keep topping the system up with oil and is there any special way to do it?

[Hugh Jardon]

my sea star does as well, it is a fill and vent plug, in hot weather the excess will seep out slowly

very important..........very important

ensure you keep your steering topped (check the levels) up as some folks have been killed on ribs and boats where they have had a leak or loss of fluid and then they lose the steering at some speed. so keep an eye on it, i am sure it would not vent enough out to cause a problem but always best to be safe than sorry

for filling up get a pippette from a beauty shop or similar and it is easy peasy then

[nugent]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

my sea star does as well, it is a fill and vent plug, in hot weather the excell will seep out slowly

very important..........very important

ensure you keep your steering topped up as some folks have been killed on ribs and boats where they have had a leak or loss of fluid and then they lose the steering at some speed. so keep an eye on it

for filling up get a pippette from a beauty shop or similar and it is easy peasy then

yes i can see the regular visits to a beauty shop. with rib nobbers looking for treatment. to sun burnt faces

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by nugent

yes i can see the regular visits to a beauty shop. with rib nobbers looking for treatment. to sun burnt faces

thats where i get mine when i pop in for some nice treatments and a bit of special attention!!!

[robbo]

Thanks very much Hugh.

Is it just standard hydraulic oil that you would use or any special type?

And I assume that the system is not under pressure when I take the plug off.

[Hugh Jardon]

not under pressure no, but gently turn the steering left or right to see the levels change. only put in the proper hydraulic fluid, i use seastar fluid, dont know anything about your make but you will have to ensure you get approved fluid or the named ultraflex fluid

Originally Posted by robbo

Thanks very much Hugh.

Is it just standard hydraulic oil that you would use or any special type?

And I assume that the system is not under pressure when I take the plug off.

[robbo]

Thanks once again Hugh very helpful.

If you are ever up my part of the world I would be happy to show you God's country from the sea!

[Hugh Jardon]

you are most welcome,we are going to the pwilly weekend on the 1-2 july, are you going to that?

ps, my mrs has a beauty business so i got my pipette from her!!

Originally Posted by robbo

Thanks once again Hugh very helpful.

If you are ever up my part of the world I would be happy to show you God's country from the sea!