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Name:	Tall Cotton -	Reply
Subject:	Hydraulic Steering
Date:	7/1/2011 12:55:47 PM

The steering on the fly bridge of the houseboat is not working due to low fluid. Should I use regular hydraulic fluid or transmission fluid to top it off, or does it matter?

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Hydraulic Steering
Date:	7/1/2011 5:28:34 PM

My pontoon has Sea Star hydraulic steering and recommends using only Sea Star hydraulic steering fluid....I'd try and find the manufacturer and google it for your answer, as there are different systems on the market and each may take a slightly different fluid for optimum performance.

Name:	mckaygmc -	Reply
Subject:	Hydraulic Steering
Date:	7/2/2011 8:55:02 AM

If it is Clear or yellowish DONT use transfluid...That would be Hydraulic oil..Usaully Red is trans fluid. But, not always so google it to be safe..

Name:	Osms -	Reply
Subject:	Hydraulic Steering
Date:	7/3/2011 9:36:35 PM

I'll second the rec from U.M., Sea Star is a very thin oil and can be used in most non-engine powered hydraulic steering units, I believe. Any other oil will increase resistance in steering and could affect seals.

Name:	Tall Cotton -	Reply
Subject:	Hydraulic Steering
Date:	7/3/2011 9:58:02 PM

Thanks all. I ended up with Marine Hydraulic Fluid as recommended!

Name:	LonghornBoater -	Reply
Subject:	Hydraulic Steering
Date:	7/6/2011 2:38:15 PM

As most hydraulic systems to not "use" fluid as an engine does it's lubricating oil, I would think your next move would be to locate and repair the obvious leak to avoid component damage.

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