Steering System Maintenance; General Maintenance; Rotary System Maintenance; Hydraulic System Maintenance - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

Steering effort can vary significantly with engine
acceleration, steering angle, trim angle, and sea
condition. Be prepared for additional steering
loads at all times.
G - 3

STEERING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

A. General Maintenance
A periodic inspection of all steering cables, linkage and
helm assemblies should be made. Signs of corrosion,
cracking, loosening of fastenings, excessive wear, or
deterioration should be immediately corrected. Failure
to do so could lead to steering system failure and corre-
sponding loss of control.
NOTICE
Check all bolts, nuts and fasteners for tightness.
B. Rotary System Maintenance
The helm and cable assembly should be so adjusted
that the steering wheel is centered with the drive or out-
board engine in the straight ahead position. There should
be an equal number of turns to port and starboard from
the straight ahead position. If adjustment becomes
necessary, see your Four Winns dealer.
Check all metal parts at the cable output end for corro-
sion. Remove any old grease from the cable ram and
motor swivel connections using a mild solvent such as
WD-40. Spray the cleaned areas with a moisture-dis-
placing lubricant and apply a light coat of good quality
marine grease. Do this with the ram fully extended. See
Figure G3.
Figure G3: Steering Cable
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
C. Hydraulic System Maintenance
Hydraulic steering systems must periodically have all air
purged from the system. Review the information provid-
ed by the hydraulic steering manufacturer for proper
specifications and details on system service and mainte-
nance.
D. Winter Storage
If the boat is placed in winter storage or used infrequently,
clean the cable ram as instructed earlier. Cycle the steer-
ing several times when applying lubricant. If at any time
the steering system becomes stiff, has an excessive
amount of freeplay or shows any change in its operating
characteristics, contact your Four Winns dealer to have
the system inspected.
Section G
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