Yamaha Steering Lock Up

[Thermobrett]

I have a new 2022 SX 195, and recently when I go to use the boat, the steering is locked up. I do run in salt water down here in center Florida, but flush the engine and wash the steering system after every use. It doesn't seem to be from the helm that its locked, but more from the steering ram/arm on the pump. Could I be getting salt water past the seal and building up some scale/corrosion? I notice this when I bring the boat home prior to launching and can break it free but moving the helm back and forth. This last time I sprayed XPS corrosion resistant spray on the arms, but wont know if that helped until I use the boat next. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm fearful I may have a bad seal and water is getting past.

 

[lazergeek]

You will get water past the seals, some say repacking with grease helps but sitting without movement seems to be the worst to cause this. I recommend you oil flush your steering following this link thread https://jetboaters.net/threads/steering-cable-lubrication-2015.25683/
Then pack the seals well with grease after to help minimize water intrusion but I would still move it periodically while in storage. Since your probably still under warranty you could get the dealer to replace the cable too but unsure how long you would have to wait for a replacement cable.

 

[84rzv500r]

Yamaha steering cables are the same for alot of boats... I stopped buying yamaha ones when I got one with a yamaha sticker from sea star with the sea star part number under the yamaha sticker. Most yamaha parts other than Engine and engine related components are sourced in the US market and usually in Tennessee

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

A boat that new should not have that issue, try discussing it with the service dept. of the dealer that sold it to you . You may want to eliminate the rudder hanging up as a cause next time it gets tight disassemble the steering cable at the nozzle and see if the nozzle turns freely attached to the rudder if it does then check the helm and cable by turning the wheel with the nozzle disconnected if that drags you know it is either the helm or the cable that is binding up.

 

[Neutron]

Make sure there isnt sny sticks or debris anywhere causing the nozzle to bind

 

[HangOutdoors]

I have a new 2022 SX 195, and recently when I go to use the boat, the steering is locked up. I do run in salt water down here in center Florida, but flush the engine and wash the steering system after every use. It doesn't seem to be from the helm that its locked, but more from the steering ram/arm on the pump. Could I be getting salt water past the seal and building up some scale/corrosion? I notice this when I bring the boat home prior to launching and can break it free but moving the helm back and forth. This last time I sprayed XPS corrosion resistant spray on the arms, but wont know if that helped until I use the boat next. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm fearful I may have a bad seal and water is getting past.

I had to replace my steering cables after the 1st year. They were hard to turn and locking up. Unfortunately this was last spring and there were no parts anywhere and the dealer couldn't get me in for warranty work for 4-6 weeks, because of parts. I sourced my own parts and replaced them myself. Wasn't bad. Annoyed that I had spend $300 bucks on it, but it was that or drive a boat that was not safe.

The steering was so hard I got sore and it was unsafe. It was water intrusion past the seal on the steering cable by the jet pump. I have a thread around here somewhere that shows pictures. It would of been covered under warranty but I couldn't wait for the parts to come in since there were non available.

I attempted to lubricate the lines in an effort to resolve the issue and used a compressor, air cuck/coupler strong clear tubing and clamps. But it did not work.

Since I have replaced the lines, I use the suggestion the @Cobra Jet Steering LLC mentioned and I have got a wax ring for a base of a toilet bowl at Lowes. I take a bit of it every couple few outings and put it on the seals and steering cable shafts as well as the bucket cable shaft. It is sticky and gooey and works great. Should we have to do things like that? NO. But I am not going through that replacement again if I can help it.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Here is the full thread when I replaced mine. Hopefully it doesn't come to that for you.

2020 AR210 Stiff Steering | JetBoaters.net - The World's Largest Jet Boat Forum!

 

[Thermobrett]

Thanks all! After letting it sit for the week with the XPS Corrosion Spray, it was bound up again. I leaned on the wheel a bit in each direction and it came free and was fine while using this weekend. Sound like it will be going to the dealer for some warranty service / review.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Have you checked for kinks under the helm and side and back through engine bay? Another member kinked theirs and Warranty did not cover it. Would have been much cheaper to replace it by themselves.

 

[Thermobrett]

I haven't checked for that yet, but I will next time I grab the boat and bring it home.

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

Whatever your solution is stay on top of it. My friends 2017 212 Limited S got shelved for many months because his cables were toast (tried all the pressure and oil thing and everything else under the sun) AND no cables were to be had in North America. Tried cross referencing to the manufacturers etc and no luck. Finally got him underway in February when Yamaha got their inventories in. Nothing like missing another spring/summer only because of a steering issue.