223 steering issues?

[Steve B]

Was out pulling people on a tube yesterday and the steering started clicking and would not turn easily or much at all starboard. Manual says it is hydraulic system so it may just need more oil, but wanted to see if anyone had run into this issue. Thanks!

 

[BobJohnson]

no, have not run into this or heard about it before. thanks for posting in case it does come up.

 

[Jet Blue]

I have not experienced this, but let us know what you find out so we be prepared!

 

[blackhawkpilot]

My steering (apparently) is stiffer than normal. The dealer said he would get it cleaned up when I take it in for the first service, but it doesn't seem to be that bad.

 

[Steve B]

So contrary to the manual, the steering is rack and pinion. The dealer took it apart re-seated it and now it is smooth and responsive. Hopefully no more problems.

 

[blackhawkpilot]

I posted this on the Facebook page, but figured I'd put it here as well. I developed a steering grind and it wouldn't go away at low speed. It's coming from the steering column. My dealer replaced the cable last fall and now I'm getting this. Needless to say, we were afraid to do any tubing yesterday due to the possibility of losing steering. Any ideas?

Chaparral 223 VRX Steering

• blackhawkpilot
• May 21, 2017

Steering grinding.

 

[Bill D]

Holy rattle Batman! That sounds awful. Are you feeling a heavy vibration in the wheel when it's rattling? Does it feel like it's grinding?

 

[blackhawkpilot]

Yeah, there is some feedback (rattle) in the wheel. The owners manual says "check the level of hydraulic fluid in the helm regularly and replenish, if necessary". I don't recall seeing a hydraulic reservoir in the helm.

 

[blackhawkpilot]

Dropped off the boat at the dealer on Thursday afternoon, it was done and complete on Friday. Picked up on Saturday morning and got out on the water (unexpectedly) Saturday afternoon. Apparently, one of the buckets was loose causing a vibration that resonated through the steering cable all the way up to the steering column. We did hear a slight chatter on the way out to the island, however, coming back in, we heard nothing at all. I'm going to call it fixed for now. We'll see what happens through the summer.

 

[swatski]

Dropped off the boat at the dealer on Thursday afternoon, it was done and complete on Friday. Picked up on Saturday morning and got out on the water (unexpectedly) Saturday afternoon. Apparently, one of the buckets was loose causing a vibration that resonated through the steering cable all the way up to the steering column. We did hear a slight chatter on the way out to the island, however, coming back in, we heard nothing at all. I'm going to call it fixed for now. We'll see what happens through the summer.

Was it this same as this:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/vortex-bucket-bolts-back-out-shreds.13485/#post-234776

Should be relatively easy to watch this, if that is the issue.

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[blackhawkpilot]

Was it this same as this:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/vortex-bucket-bolts-back-out-shreds.13485/#post-234776

Should be relatively easy to watch this, if that is the issue.

It's possible that was it. I'm not sure, though, as the dealer did all the work.