Yes it would, though you would only be doing it to test it.

It's possible and easy fix,change ram seals and make sure the lines are clear.I doubt its pump and steer valves are pretty bullit proof usually just leak externally.

Bleed the line in question at the transom or swap the two lines side to side. I'm wondering if the external hose is somehow restricting flow. Try swapping cylinders side to side, see if problem follows.

If you had it apart. You have to turn it full lock one direction without motor running. Crack all hose fittings from transom to ram. One at a time. Do the other side. And repeat a few times keeping a eye on the level

That's how I did mine but engine running,keeping reservoir full.I tried just full left to right cycles hoping it would clear but no luck,boat wouldn't run a straight line until all air was gone.All because I changed the lines to stainless braid,been 2yrs and never had to bleed air again.

I think my next step is going to be swap the rams and re-bleed the crap out of it again. If it fixes it great then it was air someplace. If it goes the other way...it's the ram. If it doesn't change I assume it's the helm.

You should fill the rams both sides before you hook up the last lines

Just a thought to keep in mind when all else fails.
collasped inner part of one of the hoses.
i've seen it happen with a steering that wouldn't let the flow return correctly. Was a collapsed hose that you couldnt tell from the outside.
A little unlikely just keep it in the back of your head.

Swapped rams today the the issue followed the ram. I took the bad ram out of the system and capped the lines. No issues. Put the bad ram on and capped the good ones lines and very erratic steering. It seems the ram is leaking internally allowing the pressure to get by the piston and bleed into the other side. That in turn screws up the other rams flow also.

Thanks for all the idea's and I will reach out to imco in the AM. I have a great local hydraulic shop also that I will call to see if the can determine if it is a seal or a bad body. I resealed them about 3 years ago without issues. It is defiantly in the cylinder.

Anyone have a spare laying around?

After Ron and I talked a few times it was clear that I had an issue with one of the rams bleeding internaly from a ballooned cylinder. I called him on tuesday and he was great to deal with. He could have just sold me an entire ram with all the hardware but figured what parts I needed and didn't need for the swap. I had it at my door 2 days later and installed......it's like butter!

Thanks again Ron and Imco for taking care of me
from start to finish.



​​​​