www.iFourWinns.com

I took my vista out for the first time this year and noticed that the steering wheel turned very hard in both directions. It would move an inch or two and then free up and then become hard to turn again. It seemed as if it was binding on something and I thought I might break something when forcing the wheel to turn. Any ideas what might be causing this to happen? Thank in advance.

Check to make sure you don't have fluid in your hold. I had a power steering cylinder go out on mine. You also should check the level of the fluid itself.

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Grease the steering ram with triple guard grease!!

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

+1 on the steering ram. after several years of use, they do need to be greased. Often it's something that is not regularly done on routine maintenance.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Is there a grease fitting on the ram or just wipe grease on the piston when it is fully extended? Thanks

Just wipe the grease on the piston when its fully extended. Smear a decent amount (not too much). I usually go through 3 finger-ful's worth and spread it over the whole ram (so probably about 1-1.5 tablespoon worth).

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Great, thanks everyone for the replies I'm on my way to the boat now to see if that will fix the problem.

I tired the grease on the arm when it was extended but it didn't really solve the problem. Today I spoke to a volvo mechanic and he thinks the check vales in the steering ram are sticking and that there is no way to fix the problem other then to replace the steering ram assembly. I asked what the part would cost and found out that it is $850.00 and takes about 3-4 hours to change it. Does anyone have any other ideas or should I just have the new steering ram put on?

I have the exact same thing going on. I also tried greasing the ram but it seems my problem is coming from the steering helm. If the gears bind up or the steering cables become damaged it will give you that "notchy feel". You can see your steering helm by removing your left cup holder and looking down/right. Reach down and feel the gearbox while you turn the wheel...feel anything clunking around in there?http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FQ05VI/ref=asc_df_B000FQ05VI2145893?smid=A25EAWGMPO0D51&tag=dealtmp5800-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B000FQ05VI

Also check your tilt steering u-joints. http://www.amazon.com/Teleflex-Performance-Steering-Mechanism-SH91800P/dp/B002PKF0D0

The links are examples...I'm not sure what model # yours would be. Just some things to double check before spending the big $$

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