Rasmus Steering Cylinder (Vetus)

[Steve22110]

I have a leaky steering cylinder on my 1973 Rasmus. H-R parts can not help me, nor can Vetus. Has anyone found a source of seals, and/or a replacement cylinder of similar proportions ? Does anyone have a Vetus part number for these cylinders ?

 

[Ben Gendre, Guinevere, Rasmus #152]

Leaky Steering Ram

We as well had a leaky steering ram. We removed it from the boat and had a local hydraulic shop overhaul it. Although the were not able to match the seals exactly they were able to come up with replacements that did work.The cylinder has now been in operation for the past 3 months and seems to be operating correctly. I hope this is of some help to you. Kind Regards, Ben.

 

[John Meskauskas]

How leaky?

How leaky is the ram? Mine leaks as well but I haven't lost more than 3oz of oil in the last 6 years. And, there seems to be no change in the extent of the leak.

 

[steve]

More steering cylinder details

My steering cylinder leaks up to a 1/2 cup in 24 hours. Ironically, it was not leaking when I took it in to a hydraulic shop for a check. They kept me waiting at the dock for 3 weeks, while they tried some rebuild kits from Vetus, then finally sent my seals to europe to match. Then ones they got back are not quite right, so the shaft seal leaks at low pressure ( i.e. at anchor ). I am willing to replace the cylinder, but have not been able to find a close match anywhere. It all seems a ridiculous hassle for $ 2.00 rubber parts.

 

[gil leebrick]

leaky steering cylinder

We had a bit of seepage from the ram and had it rebuilt with a new shaft. I have returned the ram 3 times to the shop for stiffer packings. it now works but will over bleed from one sidt to the other at full lock. the shop is currently having a special seal cut which includes a metal stiffner. If the cylinder is weeping just a bit I would not recommend rebuilding it.

 

[angus phillips]

a fix!

I just took my leaky Vetus steering cylinder to the Maryland Vetus dealer and they took it apart on the spot and promised to have it back this week with new seals and a new bearing for $162. The company is called Den Ouden and is in Hanover, Md. Look 'em up on the website. You can mail 'em the part and they'll mail it back.