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Cleaning Tools for Pressurized Boat Steering

Hydraulic steering systems used on boats can be either power-assisted or manually-operated; the manually-operated systems can be pressurized or non-pressurized. A pressurized system sees high pressure force the hydraulic fluid required to operate the steering system while non-pressurized systems require atmospheric forces to push fluids through the system.

Maintenance
- Maintaining a hydraulic pressurized steering system is required after each boating trip, especially if taken in saltwater. After each use, the steering system, including the central steering column, should be wiped down with soap and water, followed by a rag soaked in oil to remove excess salt and provide protection from corrosion. In saltwater environments salt particles can crystallize and corrode seals and other parts made from materials, including aluminum. Steering systems should be cleaned in both outboard and inboard systems; during periods of storage in coastal regions, salt particles can coat the entire boat, including the steering system.
Lines
- Hydraulic systems require that the lines carrying hydraulic fluids around the system be cleaned with a compressed air machine equipped with a small tip to force air through the system. The hydraulic lines are removed, with one end placed in a bucket to catch used fluids and the other end connected to the compressed air machine that blows the used fluids out of the lines. Fluids can cause problems when left in the lines for prolonged periods; milky-looking fluids are a sign of contamination of water, and black fluid is a sign of metal contamination.
Lubricants
- Corrosion is the main problem faced by the owner of a boat with a pressurized hydraulic system, according to Boaterstore.com. Corrosion can affect both the lines carrying hydraulic fluids and the steering system components. To avoid corrosion, lubricants should be applied regularly to protect the system; oil and oil substitutes, such as WD-40, can be wiped throughout the system to avoid corrosion.
Problems
- The failure to regularly clean and maintain a pressurized hydraulic system can result in the failure of the system to operate correctly. Unlike other types of hydraulic systems, the failure of a marine hydraulic steering system results in the inability of the operator to steer the boat. The failure of the system in open water can be potentially life-threatening if no other boats are available to tow the craft back to shore.