Hydrolic leak down the wall from lower wheel on 1981 34’ CHB tricabin trawler.

[Douglasc]

I have a significant leak running down on wall behind the wheel onto the floor. Has anyone repaired one of these units? I am in Sausalito CA. 707-695-1293 Douglas

 

[Flatswing]

Is the leak from the shaft behind the wheel?
A very common leak is the shaft seal. In many installations the leak runs down the front of the dash behind the wheel, but if the pump is at all recessed, the leak may be on the back of the bulkhead.
For access, pull the wheel, VERY carefully remove the plastic seal cover and replace the O ring. 2 parts can be tricky. 1) removing the wheel, 2) reinstalling the plastic cover so that it doesn’t get cockeyed. An appropriate length of flush cut PVC pipe ( I seem to recall 1”) helps you seat the plastic cover much more easily.
Teleflex became Capilano and now Dometic. Their customer service is usually very helpful too.

 

[Sleeping Bear]

Hmmm, I have done this. I seem to remember the seals are just o rings that can be purchased at any hydraulic supply shop, but I could not replace the seals without removing the unit and then dismantling it, no big deal, the biggest deal was bleeding the air out of the system afterwards, long story, but we lost steering on the next outing, had to finish up using the autohelm as the pump for that is down by the rudders.

Removing the wheel is easy, go to Harbor Freight and buy a gear puller.

 

[Flatswing]

Removing the wheel is easy, go to Harbor Freight and buy a gear puller.

Yes any large inexpensive puller can be made to work even in wooden wheelsDon’t crank the screw too much. Just tension it then sharply tap the center pin with a hammer to break the adhesion and wheel will pop off in most cases.

 

[sean9c]

Wasn't there just a thread about a leaky one of these?

 

[SIBERNUT]

Yeah. I had a problem with one where the plastic caser cracked. All the kings horses etc ,& never could get it stopped. I "may" have a helm unit somewhere, I replaced both upper & lower & 1 is still good

 

[Douglasc]

Is the leak from the shaft behind the wheel?
A very common leak is the shaft seal. In many installations the leak runs down the front of the dash behind the wheel, but if the pump is at all recessed, the leak may be on the back of the bulkhead.
For access, pull the wheel, VERY carefully remove the plastic seal cover and replace the O ring. 2 parts can be tricky. 1) removing the wheel, 2) reinstalling the plastic cover so that it doesn’t get cockeyed. An appropriate length of flush cut PVC pipe ( I seem to recall 1”) helps you seat the plastic cover much more easily.
Teleflex became Capilano and now Dometic. Their customer service is usually very helpful too.

Thankyou. That’s helpful.