Volvo Penta — Filling and purging the steering system
Maintenance · Hydraulic steering system
From a Volvo Penta service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- Never use brake fluid or hydraulic oil in the steering system.
- Be very careful with cleanliness when working with steering system hydraulics.
Procedure
- Check that steering system hoses and connections are correctly installed.
- Position filling/purging tool 3588044 as high as possible so hoses have continuous fall.
- Remove plugs (A) on the 4-way connections, install adapters (B) and connect purging tool fittings (C).
- Remove recovery tank cap, disconnect quick release fitting (D) and connect return hose fitting (E).
- Turn steering wheel starboard about 150 turns (or until no large bubbles appear).
- Two helm stations: turn lower station about 60 turns starboard first, then upper station about 150 turns.
- Autopilot purging: run autopilot starboard at least 1 minute, then port at least 1 minute.
- Steering cylinder purging: extend and retract cylinder rods manually five times (drive not installed).
- With drive installed: push to full port, wait 5 s, then full starboard, wait 15 s; repeat four more times.
- Disconnect quick release fittings then adapters; plug 4-way connections and tighten to 22 Nm.
- Connect hose to recovery tank, install cap, top fill and start engine to purge; top fill if needed.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- 4-way FridayParts $54.40 connection plug: 22 Nm (16.2 lbf.ft)
- Cylinder pin-to-pin straight ahead: 337 mm (13.3")
Source: Volvo Penta service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.