This is the first time owning a boat with hydraulic steering, so.....is there any maintenance?
Do ya'll lubricate the steering rod? On my old boat there was a grease fitting for the teleflex system to keep the steering rod from freezing up with rust from saltwater.

I have hydraulic steering on my off shore boat having issues as well. The wheel turns left the motor doesn't move.... turn right there's resistance I guess I'm going to have to bleed. Not sure what went wrong pistons won't move I think... I'd be interested in what you find out.

I spray white lithium grease on da steerin rod every now and then. Doubt I need to, I just do.

West End Angler -

There should be a little star-shaped knob on top of your steering column (usually black). Un-screw that. Fill that with hydraulic fluid. Yes, some will spill over - just have a paper towel ready to catch the drips. Now, slowly turn your wheel to the left. This will pull some of the fluid. Just keep adding fluid to make sure that is continually full. When you get all the way to the left, slowly start tuning to the right and continue the process of filling as you throught the full steering motion. Replace cap tightly.

General Steering Maintenance --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh6BrW9v ... r_embedded