MAINTENANCE OF THE STEERING GEAR

The same regular routine attention must be given to the steering gear as is given to the main
engines. Both are working continuously and are equally essential to the safety of the vessel.

Refer to the Routine Maintenance Table for maintenance tasks and the frequency with which
they should be carried out.

MAINTAINING OIL LEVELS IN THE OIL RESERVOIRS

The oil levels in the power pack tank and the manual helm pump should be checked daily.
These levels should be topped up as necessary to minimise the chance of air entering the
system. This will ensure efficient operation of the system.

Refer to the ‘Recommended Oils’ section for suitable hydraulic oils. Ensure that the oil
reservoirs are not over filled.

DO NOT MIX HYDRAULIC OILS.

The incorrect mixing of grades of hydraulic oil can result in precipitation leading to harmful
deposits in the system. Refill or top-up with the correct oil, or recognised equivalent, at all
times.

MECHANICAL LINKAGES

Whilst an overriding advantage of a hydraulic transmission system over any form of

mechanical linkage, in terms of maintenance, is its ability to self-lubricate with the oil it
contains, proper attention must be paid to the periodic application of grease to the external
mechanical linkages which have grease nipples or applicators, in the region of the steering
gear. It is recommended that these tasks are undertaken weekly whilst at sea and monthly
while in port.

It is recommended that a good quality lithium based grease is used for this application.

The linkage between the tiller and the actuator should be checked regularly to ensure that
there is no damage to the actuator’s end bearing and end bearing housing or to the tiller pin.
The bearing should be greased as required to protect the bearing and maintain smooth
operation.

There are long periods when the steering does not make complete hard over to hard over
movements so there is a tendency for working faces in the vicinity of the hard over positions
to rust if left unattended. The faces must be kept clean and greased for protection.

The linkages between the Rudder Position Units / Rudder Transmitter Units and the tillers are
non-lubricated and should be not be greased. They should be regularly checked for damage.
HYDRAULIC PIPES, PIPE UNIONS AND ACTUATOR HOSES

The pipes should be routinely checked for leaks. Extra attention should be given to the unions
between pipes. If leaks are found it is usually sufficient to tighten the joint nuts to prevent
further leakage.

Do not attempt to tighten the nuts if there is no sign of leakage. Over tightening the nuts can
cause damage to the pipes.

The same checks should be carried out for the unions between the flexible hoses, the steering
actuator and the pressure relief and bypass valve.

It is recommended that these checks are carried out monthly.

The condition of the flexible hoses should be checked at least once a year. If they show signs
of excessive wear or damage they should be replaced.

STEERING ACTUATORS

The steering actuator should also be checked for signs of leaks and, if leaks are found, the
faulty seals should be replaced. Refer to drawing A9857 for actuator seal details.

It is IMPORTANT that, when such dismantling and reassembly is required, work is carried out
on a clean metal worktop. Failure to observe cleanliness can lead to damaging and possibly
dangerous results during operation of the steering gear.

It is equally important to be continually watchful for signs of deposits of any sort in the actuator,
when dismantled, and to ensure its internal cleanliness before reassembly.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Electrical equipment associated with the steering system also needs to be afforded proper,
routine, attention. Special emphasis needs to be placed on protecting equipment against
corrosion.

Twice a year an inspection should be carried out of all units to check that they are properly
sealed. Where evidence of seals deteriorating can be seen, the unit in question should be
dismantled and checked for corrosion before being thoroughly cleaned.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TABLE

Frequency Item Action

Power Pack & Helm  Check oil levels in power pack and helm
Daily pump tanks and top up as required.
Pump

 Check linkage between tiller and actuator

for damage and apply grease as required.

 Check actuator heel ball and mounting

bracket for damage and apply grease as
Weekly Steering Actuator
required.

 Check working faces in the vicinity of the

hard-over positions for rust. Clean and apply
grease as required.
Rudder Position Unit
(RPU)/  Check linkage between the RPU/RtU and
Weekly
Rudder Transmitter the tiller for damage.
Unit (RtU)

Pipes, Pipe Unions

 Check pipe unions for leaks. If leaks are
Monthly & Actuator Hoses
found, tightening the joint nuts.
 Check actuator for leaks. If leaks are found
Monthly Steering Actuator replace the faulty seal. Refer to drawing
A9857 for seal details.

Monthly Electrical Wiring  Examine all wiring integrity.

 Check condition of seals. Where

6 Monthly Electrical Equipment deterioration is found, check for corrosion
and replace seals.

 Check condition of the hoses. Replace if in

Yearly Actuator Hoses
doubt.

Yearly Power Pack  Replace the return line filter.