Why is Hydraulic Steering Ram Stiff One Way ?

[Shanaly]

hi I have just fitted a new hydraulic ram, single action, to my Wagner B2 hand helm pump. this latter has a small check valve at the rear. if i (A) turn the wheel the one way the rod extends easily and smoothly. but if i (B) turn the wheel back it takes a great deal of effort (altho there is no 'lumpiness'). if i turn it back slightly in direction A, while doing manoeuvre B, it is a little easier. i have bled the two points at the ram. any ideas, please?!:bang head:

[Blue Stocking]

You may have a slug of air in the line which is feeding the B direction.
When you rotate to A movement, the B line is under partial vacumn, and the air does not affect movement.
When you rotate to B movement, the air is compressed and causes restricted responce.
In my hydraulic kit I carry a made up tranparent Tupperware container with 2 small hose barbs screwed into the bottom.
I fill this with fluid and connect by clear plastic hose to the ram bleed screws.
This way you can rotate the pump continuously and watch for bubbles rising in to the container, at the same time non airiated fluid is inducted thru the other tube.

Proved a time saver when installing Octopus A/P ram sets.

[Shanaly]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

You may have a slug of air in the line which is feeding the B direction.
When you rotate to A movement, the B line is under partial vacumn, and the air does not affect movement.
When you rotate to B movement, the air is compressed and causes restricted responce.
In my hydraulic kit I carry a made up tranparent Tupperware container with 2 small hose barbs screwed into the bottom.
I fill this with fluid and connect by clear plastic hose to the ram bleed screws.
This way you can rotate the pump continuously and watch for bubbles rising in to the container, at the same time non airiated fluid is inducted thru the other tube.

Proved a time saver when installing Octopus A/P ram sets.

thanks - great idea. could i skip the barbs and just put the extra hoses in a 'bath' of hydraulic fluid?

[Blue Stocking]

Yes, but make sure that you dont ingest airiated fluid.