How To Lubricate a Hydraulic Steering System on a Boat

Part of maintaining of a boat's hydraulic steering requires lubricating the elements of the steering system where mechanical contact exists. The hydraulic parts of hydraulic steering systems are self-lubricating -- from helm to ram, the parts are immersed in hydraulic oil. The parts of the steering system that are mechanical, such as the motor's swivel bracket, the tilt tube and the trim and tilt system require regular lubrication to maintain the agility of the steering system.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean cloths
  • Moisture-excluding spray lubricant
  • Adjustable wrench
  • White marine grease
  • Torque wrench
  • Waterproof marine grease
  • Grease gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe the actuator -- the shaft of the piston that protrudes from the ram -- with a clean cloth soaked in spray moisture-excluding lubricant. Remove the lock nut from the end of the steering rod that connects the piston end to the motor, using an adjustable wrench.

    • 2

      Remove the steering link rod from the piston end. Apply white marine grease to the end of the steering link rod.

    • 3

      Re-insert the steering rod in the piston end. Thread the lock nut back into place and tighten it to 20 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

    • 4

      Pump waterproof marine grease into the zerk fitting on the swivel bracket, using a grease gun. Pump waterproof marine grease into the zerk fitting on the tilt tube.

    • 5

      Smear white marine grease on a clean cloth. Wipe the grease onto any metal-to-metal contact surfaces of the trim/tilt system.