Rebuild and Fix Boat Hydraulic Helm Pump and Tilt Mechanism - Seastar Classic (HA5623)

The hydraulic steering system on my boat was loose, sloppy, and lacked responsiveness. As a result, I replaced the Seastar Classic Teleflex tilt mechanism and rebuilt the helm pump. Helm rebuilding was completed with a kit purchased from Amazon. See product links below. The kit included new o-rings, seals, gaskets, nuts, and bolts. While Seastar representatives told me that Seastar does not sell a rebuild kit directly to the public and one should not attempt rebuilding the pump, I gave it a try with an aftermarket kit. Seastar wanted me to send the old pump to them to complete rebuild at a much greater cost. After cleaning, rebuilding, re-assembling, priming, and painting the OEM helm pump, I reinstalled it. An updated tilt assembly (HA6523) replaced the old. Refilling with new hydraulic fluid and purging of air bubbles was also required. The boat steering is much improved! I should have done this long ago, as total material cost was less than $250 and required 4 hours total. This general DIY procedure can be used for many helms, including Baystar, Vevor, Dometic, Uflex, etc. Works for both inboard and outboard boat engines. Product links:
Hydraulic pump rebuild kit: amzn.to/4cX4fF8
Seastar tilt assembly (HA6523): amzn.to/3MyjfOL
O-ring hook and pick: amzn.to/3TjuD5b
Total Boat epoxy kit: amzn.to/4eeQjrc
Purple Power parts cleaner: amzn.to/3ATx2wT
Spray paint primer: amzn.to/3XhXFTG
Spray paint black: amzn.to/47d7lnb
Seastar helm pump: amzn.to/4cUnPSf
Seastar hydraulic fluid: amzn.to/3ThXcjm
Seastar hydraulic fluid refill kit hose: amzn.to/3TgJRrv
Attach phone holder to vehicle windshield with magnet (NEOS):
amzn.to/3yMJfCs

[@TotalBoat]

Great job!