Hydraulic Steering - 2003 Beneteau 42CC

[Gaiamar]

Hello All,

Your expertise and guidance is needed.

I have a 2003 Beneteau 42CC that was constructed in France.

The steering is hydraulic with a Raymarine auto pilot.

At the helm the wheel has developed a clunking noise when the
wheel is moved from side to side just an inch or two. It also clunks
when the direction if the wheel is reversed.

I do not want to take the system apart for repair until I understand
where the problem is. No leaks found.

Could the stop valve cause the clunk?
Could the ram cause the clunk and feedback to the helm?
Could there be air in the lines?
I'm unable to determine the brand name of the components.

Thanks for your review and input.

[undercutter]

Sounds like something loose in the binnacle or if your helm close to your rudder may be something loose below decks. Have you visually inspected both for mechanical failure or loose bolts.

[msponer]

Is there a short length of chain between the wheel and the hydraulic pump? On my boat, that chain gets loose and causes a similar clunking noise.

[Gaiamar]

Update on my steering problems.

With multiple sets of eyes on the problem we discovered that
the plywood bulkhead that the quadrant and also hydraulic
ram are connected to was flexing. It in fact was not attached
to the bulkhead but was 3/4 inch plywood only connected
at the far ends with 2 bolts on each side.

We installed a 6ft channel bar across the entire bulkhead and
put 10 through bolts to create one stiff assembly. This repair
revealed that the bushing on the hydraulic ram is worn and
needs replacement. We could not have see this problem without
first repairing the quadrant bulkhead issues. Next the ram will
be removed, rebuilt and installed.

I'm sure that I will find more worn components after the ram
is repaired. One step at a time.

Headed on a downwind sail to Culebra in the Spanish Virgins
to conduct some testing underway. Nothing like some quality
time in the Lazarette while underway. Updates to follow.