Marine Parts Advisor: Volvo Penta 21910902 SX Power Steering Cylinder

Our goal is to educate you about the purpose and function of many of the marine parts required to keep your boat running smoothly. Whether you're a veteran seaman or a novice, one thing you all know is that a boat comes equipped with hundreds of moving parts.

No one person can know everything there is to know about the proper functioning of every boat part. That's why we've tapped the collective wisdom of our long-time technical experts to share their knowledge and expertise.

What You Need to Know About the Volvo Penta SX Power Steering Cylinder

The Volvo Penta SX power steering cylinder is designed to reduce steering effort and help turn the drive unit. It's operated hydraulically and also mechanically. As you turn the steering wheel, it moves an actuator valve on the steering cylinder. This directs the hydraulic pressure to help with steering effort. While you're turning the wheel by hand the cylinder is assisting with that turn by directing hydraulic pressure to the cylinder, turning the drive unit. The mechanical steering cable from the steering wheel is connected to the cylinder. This moves the actuator valve on the cylinder, redirecting the hydraulic flow making steering easy. So the mechanical cable acts as a hydraulic assist.

If for some reason the power steering fluid becomes contaminated, you will need to replace the fluid and flush the system. Contamination could come from the water. It could be debris from a failure somewhere in the system. If someone replaces the power steering pump (which supplies the fluid to the cylinder), it’s because it failed mechanically. This could be caused by debris which flows through the hoses and into the cylinder.

Boaters replace a steering cylinder because the actuator valve failed. Debris in the fluid has either scuffed or scored it, causing the valve to malfunction.

If you're replacing the power steering pump, you need to flush the old fluid and debris to prevent other problems. The debris we’re referring to is small metal particles.

Most people don't change the power steering fluid regularly. To maintain your power steering cylinder, you want to watch the fluid level. When steering becomes difficult, the system needs attention.

There are a couple pivot points you want to lubricate because the steering cylinder does move and shift. Lubricating is all the maintenance required. You should use marine-grade grease on a regular basis.

Marine Parts Troubleshooters On Call

Once a boat part fails, it's obviously too late to repair it. When possible we've provided tips on simple ways to maintain a part to minimize your cash outlay. We know you'd rather be on the water having fun than on the dock calling your marine mechanic.

That said, if you need help troubleshooting a system failure, give our boat experts a call at 866-388-0390. They'd be happy to steer you in the right direction. Vist Marine Parts Source today!