Very stiff steering
 

Have Marine Machine full hydraulic steering on 37' 500efi's. Very stiff at all times basically like no power assist. Pump is full and fluid doesn't smell burned. Any ideas on where to start looking? It's a pretty workout turning the wheel.

Is it easier at higher RPMs?

No sir it's the same at all times

Someone said possibly the ram or rams could need a rebuild? Another said the pumps on these 500's and 525's don't produce enough pressure and needs a hole drilled somewhere?lol

Open the cap and see if fluid is flowing. Whoever told you to drill a hole somewhere, disregard that idea.

Lol I kinda threw the drilling out the window already!! Alright I'll fj the fluid sir for circulating sir. Thank you!!

Replace the pump.

Ok guys replaced the pump and still too hard to turn. Did help it a little, but very little.. Any other ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Going to check the filter tomorrow, but idk if that could/would caus this?? Always the same stiffness regardless of RPM's.

Was just doing some searching and read about what fluid to use. Is it possible the "power steering fluid" is too light for the system and I should put "ATF fluid" in it instead??

My Zeiger system does call for ATF but I doubt that's your problem. If you haven't checked the filter yet, that could be your problem. Just see if you can blow through it.