Bent steering shaft

[Lloyd Malsin]

First noticed a small drip under my steering column and then realized that the shaft is bent. Maybe even the wheel.This was obviously caused from raising the hatch to far without removing helm seat.Anyone else have a similiar problem and if yes do they sell the individual parts seperately? My rig is an 06 25 ST.Yanmar.

[Oswego]

Bent steering shaft

Been there, done that. On the 28 CC sells the steering shaft assembly. Easy to install, 3 bolts (I think) and the hydraulic lines. It cost me $260.00 if I remember right.


However, I will tell you that Mac said sometimes you can straighten them out by using a 2 x 4 and applying "a little pressure". Didn't work for me, but it might for you (mine started leaking fluid immediately).

Tom

[code blue]

leak

straightening may help the shaft alignmet but will do nothing for your leak . Been there as well. Best suggestion is to change helm. I now keep a spare at home. THe problem with these seastar helms is that you cannot change the seal.

[Laukia]

bent shaft.......

I believe you can actually change that seal. At least in the Sea Star HH5271.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/teleflexSeal.html

I got the seals at go2marine.com.

But I agree with you that it is better to just replace the helm pump. With the shaft assembly kit at $260 and no idea what other damage to the bearing/racing face or housing, etc. the pump is $456 and probably easier and less time to replace. Don't ask me how I know this because I would NEVER be so lame as to forget to take off the helm seat before opening the engine hatch........ya, right.

[Lloyd Malsin]

Bent

Nice to know that misery has company. I will get to this as soon as the blackfish stop biting. Untill then I will add fluid as needed. Tomorrow forecast NE 15-20 gusts to 30 and Im going fishing. Carolina Rules!

[tupelo honey II]

bent helm shaft

I thought that I was the only one with a beny shaft. I have an 06 28' and bent it while hanging on in rough seas. I replaced the soft aluminum shaft with a stainless steel for about $100 and it has been good since.

[Carpy]

I did the same thing. Raised the hatch at night and forgot the chair, I know to follow the check list too. Make it worse two adult sons and a wife watching. This bone headed accident hurts.

So I bent the steering column and had a leak. No liquid or hydrologic fluid on the inside few drops, from the seal ,on the floor. What did I do and what is the costs estimate. I will let u know the outcome, and maybe the winner can buy me a Diet Coke. Beer too advanced for me! Pulling the 28 foot in Jan as both shaft seals are leaking

Also ,the starboard exhaust is leaking at the fiber glass manifold? I keep a dry boat, has any one seen a leak there? It is behind a small bulkhead and I can not see the leak. My idea is to use an epoxy on the inside of the exhaust.

[scanman5]

Depending on how bent the shaft is, you can replace the square o-ring and it will stop it for a season or two until it hardens a bit and you will need to replace it again. This worked for me for a few seasons until I replaced the helm pump as they don’t sell the shaft as a separate item.

[Reef Runner]

To Carpy, I had a leak on the muffler neck, caused by tightening the clamp too much,fixed it by removing the exhaust hose then wrapped over crack with glass mat and epoxied it over. Inside will be too sooty for anything to stick. If you need a muffler tell me the description

[Abel]

Mine is bent, i replace the seal every 4yrs, cheaper and easier than replacing the entire shaft.

[Bullish]

About 10 years ago I cracked the fiberglass elbow just below the riser by over tightening the hose clamp. I sent it to CC and they made a new one identical with same angle and length, etc. If you find this is the reason for your leak.