Prowler has a 502 MAG with 370 hours on the clock. The OEM power steering is hard to turn and has been that way since I bought the boat two years ago. I'm thinking the PS pump is weak or failing but I have no pump noise to indicate a failure is imminent. I changed the PS fluid and that did not improve it. At idle I have to put both hands on the wheel to initially turn it but once it starts I can normally muscle it with one hand. Not really a safe situation at high speed. I also know an OEM replacement pump is $500. But I have heard there is a GM auto replacement pump that is the same thing for about $50. Does anyone have that info or GM auto replacement part number?

Also, what are the capacities of the water and sanitary tanks? I'm guessing 20 and 10, respectively.

Ed
'99 Sonic Prowler 260/502 MAG/B1 24P
Dart Pro-1 Aluminum Heads/SS Intakes/Inconel Exhausts
Comp Cam Roller Rockers/Push Rods (.375")
Cometic SS Head Gaskets
ARP Studs
IMCO Aluminum Exhaust
Hardine SS Risers
Complete MSD Ignition/Cooling Fan
Denso Iridium Plugs
K&N/PWR Air Intake
ECM Upgrade
San Juan FWC

I'm by no means an expert but does it have factory cable steering? Or external hydraulic steering?

If it has the stock cable steering it probably isn't in the pump but probably the cable or the ram needs to be greased or the cable itself needs replacing. Especially if it gets easier once you break it free... That's a classic symptom of a dry steering cable that needs grease. There should be a zerk at the end of the cable near the actuator on the transom assembly. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the feedback. It is cable steering. I have greased all of the fittings, changed the pump and flushed the old fluid. Fluid looks like it has not been changed in 14 years. It is a little better after the pump change but it is still tight. Am going to pull the pin where it connects to the O/D and see if the O/D is binding or the PS unit/cable is binding. If I cannot resolve, I will look into external hydraulic steering.

Ed

I'd pull the pin and check that the cable moves freely, I have full external dual ram hydraulic on my boat. It is definitely awesome but wasn't cheap. I'm guessing your boat runs around the speed external should be considered. Good luck with fixing it