898349A11 | Genuine Mercury® Steering Actuator Kit

Mercury Verado 4-stroke outboards, 135 HP - 200 HP Verado systems
Some Bass Cat Boats using Mercury Verado steering systems

1. Reduce steering effort

In power steering systems, the actuator helps the driver turn more easily.

Examples:

• electric power steering in cars
• hydraulic steering in trucks and boats

Without it, steering could feel very heavy.

2. Improve precision and control

The actuator allows smoother and more accurate steering adjustments, especially at:

• high speeds
• tight maneuvering
• docking boats
• backing trailers

3. Enable automatic steering features

Modern systems use steering actuators for:

• lane keep assist
• self-parking
• adaptive steering
• autonomous driving

The computer commands the actuator to steer automatically.

4. Control marine outboard steering

On boats (like Mercury Verado systems), the steering actuator turns the outboard motor left or right using hydraulic or electro-hydraulic force.

Benefits:

• lighter helm effort
• smoother handling
• joystick docking capability
• integration with autopilot systems

5. Absorb steering loads

In heavy vehicles and marine applications, the actuator handles much of the steering force so the driver isn’t fighting engine torque, road resistance, or water pressure.

1. Hard or stiff steering

One of the biggest signs.

The steering wheel becomes:

• heavy
• difficult to turn
• inconsistent

This often happens when the actuator stops providing assist.

2. Steering pulls or jerks unexpectedly

The vehicle or boat may:

• drift left/right
• overcorrect
• feel unstable
• make sudden steering adjustments

Common in electronic steering systems.

3. Warning lights or fault messages

Modern systems may display:

• Power Steering Fault
• Steering Assist Reduced
• EPS Warning
• Steering System Error
• Lane Assist Fault

Marine systems may show SmartCraft steering alarms.

4. Clicking, grinding, or whining noises

Bad actuators can make:

• electric motor noises
• grinding gears
• hydraulic whining
• knocking sounds during turns

5. Delayed steering response

You turn the wheel but steering reacts slowly or inconsistently.

This can feel dangerous at highway speed or while docking a boat.

6. Steering wheel vibration or shaking

A failing actuator motor or internal gear issue can cause:

• wheel shudder
• vibration during turning
• oscillation at certain speeds

7. Fluid leaks (hydraulic systems)

Hydraulic steering actuators may leak:

• power steering fluid
• hydraulic oil

Look for:

• wet hoses
• leaking cylinders
• low fluid reservoir levels

8. Intermittent steering assist

The steering may work normally sometimes, then suddenly become heavy.

This often points to:

• overheating actuator motors
• failing sensors
• wiring/module problems

9. Autopilot or lane-keeping failure

Vehicles and boats with automated steering features may:

• disable lane assist
• lose autopilot
• fail self-parking
• show calibration errors