Worn Seastar Bushes

Pipster100 · 06 April 2020, 22:20

Hi All,

I'm hoping the wisdom on here will be able to help as I'm sure this problem has maybe been seen by others.

The bushes on the pivot plate as circled on attached pic, on my Seastar hydraulic steering have worn so I get movement on my engine, Yam 150F. I bled any air out so the only free play is where the worn bushes allow movement. I would have posted a pic of my engine but I'm currently stuck offshore due to coronavirus.

I've looked online and on the Seastar site, from what I've found Seastar don't list these as a serviceable item. I don't really want to replace the whole unit for what should be an easy fix with two new machined bushes.

Last time I was at home I removed the two bolts but this doesn't allow you to remove the pivot plate and looks like that where the bolts go into are pressed in.

Has anyone resolved this themselves?

Cheers all and hope you're all safe wherever you are in these unusual times...

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breezeblock · 07 April 2020, 17:53

I would make up a new bush out of plastic or similar and press them in the drawing isn't that clear

Pipster100 · 07 April 2020, 19:47

Hopefully the picture will show the issue. Not my outboard but a pic I found online with the same problem, mine have worn more than shown here so you get engine slop from side to side which isn't great. If you remove the bolt you can't slide a new bush in, the bolt screws into a shaft that runs through the cylinder casting and that the tilt plate hinges on, it appears to be pressed in place, I'm guessing the purpose of the bolt is a secondary fixing.

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Allye · 07 April 2020, 20:22

I’d be contacting seastar direct. I’m certain they’d sell them separately.

ribber · 08 April 2020, 17:10

This is from my Baystar booklet.
Appreciate yours is Seastar, but those bushes look like they are replaceable.

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Pipster100 · 08 April 2020, 18:19

With the Seastar system the pivot plate comes with the cylinder as 1 assembly, I've found on an American forum for Bass Boats that some guys have used a socket to tap the sleeves out the the bolts go into. I'll have a look once I get home.

helfordpirate · 08 February 2021, 12:38

@Pipster100
know this thread is old.. but I am trying to get the stem washer/bushing out of my Seastar cylinder - in my case to install a Seastar tie bar.
Got the bolt off but washer is pressed flush and probably seized.
Did you get yours out??

Pipster100 · 08 February 2021, 16:07

Hi, the sleeve is pressed into place, from what I found out it's not a DIY service item. From what I found on other sites, people have managed to drive the sleeve out and replace the bushing but I haven't had a go myself.

helfordpirate · 08 February 2021, 20:16

thanks
i only need the stem washer out. uk distributor said ... take three turns off bolt tap on bolt to free bush remiove bush and bolt. free washer wirh spring tool plus tapping bolt through other side...

not what i need but presumably the nylon busing can then be pushed out?

SLBT · 20 July 2024, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by helfordpirate

@Pipster100
know this thread is old.. but I am trying to get the stem washer/bushing out of my Seastar cylinder - in my case to install a Seastar tie bar.
Got the bolt off but washer is pressed flush and probably seized.
Did you get yours out??

Hi did you have any joy with this? I am having exactly the same issue. It's a bit frustrating to have this play in the steering as this will only lead to the creation of other issues down the line. many thanks for posting. Andy

SLBT · 20 July 2024, 12:17

Hello, did you make any progress with this? I am having exactly the same issue. Many thanks for posting..

SLBT · 20 July 2024, 12:17

Hi did you make any progress with this? I'm having the
same issue. Thanks for posting.

Pipster100 · 20 July 2024, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLBT

Hi did you make any progress with this? I'm having the
same issue. Thanks for posting.

No, it’s on the list to look at but it’s not causing such a problem at the moment that I need to risk damaging anything, will be a winter job when I do it. Luckily my RIB lives undercover so bad weather doesn’t stop me from working on it.

SLBT · 21 July 2024, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pipster100

No, it’s on the list to look at but it’s not causing such a problem at the moment that I need to risk damaging anything, will be a winter job when I do it. Luckily my RIB lives undercover so bad weather doesn’t stop me from working on it.

Thank you so much for the reply. I had a squeaky moment yesterday removing the bolts in case they sheared, but agree, a winter job so as not to put us out of action indefinitely. Shame they don't offer a kit for replacement bushes as it does appear to be an issue with wear. All the best.