Seastar end bracket removal

[pstephens46]

Has anyone fashioned a rig or tool to remove the end brackets from a hydraulic steering mechanism? This part has to be removed to replace the seals. Other than buying a special tool for $100.....

[rodbolt17]

the support arms???

I slit a piece of 3/4 tubing and place over the cyl shaft.
then I use a 2" by 14" brass bar and a 4lb hammer.
a couple love taps and they are off.

[pstephens46]

Sounds like a plan. I'll start searching for a brass bar.

Thanks.

[rodbolt17]

remember to use some tubing to protect the cyl shaft.
one ding and it is trash.

[fairdeal]

then I use a 2" by 14" brass bar

that's >$100 and 13lb right there.....

[rodbolt17]

you can use a 3/4 dia bar.
I have had that large bar since the 80's when I was working at a machine shop. it was scrapped.
but it will transfer a lot of whack energy.
and it is easy to hit .

[99yam40]

when swinging a big hammer it is a very good thing to hit what you are swinging at.

Make sure you are looking at what you plan on hitting and not you hand, saying I sure hope I do not hit my hand.

I have noticed I have a better chance of hitting my hand if I am looking at it instead of the bar/punch, and hoping

[pstephens46]

Fairdeal, have you replaced your Seastar seals yet?

[pstephens46]

that's >$100 and 13lb right there.....

I found a site online with 3/4" bar for $20/ft.
Probably be useful with other projects too.

[pstephens46]

the support arms???

I slit a piece of 3/4 tubing and place over the cyl shaft.
then I use a 2" by 14" brass bar and a 4lb hammer.
a couple love taps and they are off.

Rodbolt, what would you charge for a rebuild with the kit? Including whatever fluid you would use....

[Reel Kahuna]

I found a site online with 3/4" bar for $20/ft.
Probably be useful with other projects too.

Check out your local metal recycle shops. I buy 6' or lest used metal at $1.80/lb for projects such as this.

[99yam40]

all the metal scrap yards around here will not sell to individuals.
I guess it has to do with keeping track of stuff that may be stolen.

I know there was lots of aluminum buss bar and copper too that disappeared from storage areas out at the plants I use to work at

heck I tried to scrap a bronze grave marker my uncle told me to get rid of when I helped him move. new still in the box(even thou the box was in bad shape).
I never found anyone that would take it.
My sister took it to see if she could find an artist or someone that would.
I need to ask her if she ever did.

[fairdeal]

Fairdeal, have you replaced your Seastar seals yet?

Shortly after I bought my boat (at that time, ~ 9 years old)

I was repeatedly getting air in the system.

On close inspection, the ram had significant pitting of the chrome;

so even new seals would not have solved the problem.

I found a great deal on a new cylinder and just replaced the whole thing.

I was lucky, those arms came off easily ( maybe only one had to come off?)



IIRC, the fine print of written instructions from Teleflex

say to take all that apart periodically, clean & reassemble.

"Good advice" - not that any will follow - but CYA for them.

[pstephens46]

Best area to hit is "inside" bracket I would think. Tight spot and the brass would not nick the stainless shaft if it made contact.

[pstephens46]

Shortly after I bought my boat (at that time, ~ 9 years old)

I was repeatedly getting air in the system.

On close inspection, the ram had significant pitting of the chrome;

so even new seals would not have solved the problem.

I found a great deal on a new cylinder and just replaced the whole thing.

I was lucky, those arms came off easily ( maybe only one had to come off?)

IIRC, the fine print of written instructions from Teleflex

say to take all that apart periodically, clean & reassemble.

"Good advice" - not that any will follow - but CYA for them.

No one ever flushes these things either until they fail. That fluid gets nasty as what is in the cylinder stays there. No system flow...