I've been having an on-going problem with air getting into my steering. Now I am losing fluid and seeing oil slicks behind the boat. It appears to be coming from the port side ram seal. The rod was oily. Assuming I can come up with a spanner wrench to remove the end cap is this an easy reseal job that I can do? How tight is that spanner nut? Thanks in advance.

No idea how tight it may be, but there should be no crazy torque spec or anything like that on it. also hydraulics are actually pretty simple, no voodoo magic involved. Just keep stuff clean and look for any burrs, gouges etc on the shaft.

OK, I guess I'll order a seal kit and dig around for a spanner wrench. Just don't need any surprises!

Looks like the hard part of the job will be securing the cylinder while loosening the end cap. May want to loosen the cap while it is mounted to the boat. Then take off and dismantle. Concern would be trying to secure cylinder in vise w/o damage.

get a big block of wood, then with a hole saw, put a hole in it the diameter of the cylinder, Next slice block of wood in half [( O )] then clamp in vise. If done correctly, you can apply good pressure to the cylinder without marking it or distorting/deforming it.

I guess a lot will depend on how tight that nut is! First I'll order the seal kit and then dig up a wrench. Hopefully I'll find a noticeably damaged seal.

I just paid the 100 bucks. There is a shop in Waterford off airport. John

Are you talking about Loryco? I've used them in the past for hoses. Seem like good people. I think I might let them do it.

You should never clamp anywhere except the eye for the cylinder or rod, too easy to damage.

I was going to leave it attached to the transom and use giant channel-locks with rags to hold it while leaving the fittings in place so the front nut comes loose rather than the back one. If Loryco can do it for $100 total then I think I will go that route.