Sierra Power Trim & Steering Fluid
Sierra Power Trim & Steering Fluid: Marine-Grade Hydraulic Protection
When it comes to keeping your boat’s power trim and steering systems operating smoothly, the fluid you choose matters as much as the components themselves. Sierra, a brand with nearly 60 years of marine aftermarket expertise, has engineered its Power Trim & Steering Fluids specifically for the unforgiving demands of the marine environment — where high operating pressures, saltwater exposure, and wide temperature swings are everyday realities.
Purpose-Built for Marine Hydraulic Systems
Sierra’s power trim and steering fluids aren’t generic hydraulic fluids relabeled for boating use. Sierra Marine Power Trim and Steering Fluid is formulated with anti-foam additives that assure uniform flow with reduced air contamination in hydraulic systems, and is designed for heavy-duty use at high operating pressures in applications subject to varied temperature ranges. Air contamination in a hydraulic circuit is one of the leading causes of spongy, inconsistent steering response — Sierra’s additive package directly targets this failure mode.
Beyond foam control, Sierra Marine Power Trim and Steering Fluid provides proper lubrication and corrosion protection for internal hydraulic components. In a saltwater setting, internal corrosion can silently degrade trim cylinders and steering pumps long before any external symptoms appear, making the right fluid a genuine preventive maintenance investment.
Two Formulas for Different Systems
Sierra offers distinct fluid formulations to match the needs of different engine and drive platforms. The 18-9751-2 is a general-purpose marine hydraulic fluid: Sierra’s 18-9751-2 reduces air contamination in hydraulic systems and is formulated for high operating pressure. The 18-9701-2 takes a more targeted approach: it is formulated specifically for Volvo Penta hydraulic steering and power trim systems, resists oxidation for longer life, offers superior protection against rust and corrosion, and is used for power steering pumps and trim cylinders on Volvo Penta marine engines. Having the right fluid for your specific platform means you’re not making compromises on compatibility.
The Sierra Standard of Quality
Sierra has a 58-year history as a leading global manufacturer of aftermarket engine and drive parts for the marine industry, and in 2022 expanded the scope of the Sierra brand to include a wide range of products for the aftermarket boating business, as well as products for land-based applications. All Sierra products meet or exceed the original equipment part they replace , and Dometic Marine US Corp. Litchfield Division, home of the Sierra brand, has earned ISO 9001:2015 Certification — the ultimate global benchmark for quality and management.
Dometic Marine US Corp - Litchfield Division (Sierra) warrants its products to be free of defects in workmanship and materials for the useful life of the product, and if a Sierra product fails to comply with the warranty, Sierra will repair or replace the defective product free of charge. That kind of confidence behind a fluid product speaks to how seriously Sierra takes every item in its lineup.
Why Fluid Choice Matters for Trim & Steering
Power trim and hydraulic steering systems rely on precise fluid viscosity, lubricity, and stability across a broad temperature range — from a cold early-morning launch to a heat-soaked afternoon run. Using an incorrect or low-quality fluid can cause sluggish trim response, steering wander, or accelerated wear in pumps and cylinders. Sierra’s marine-specific formulations are designed to eliminate these concerns, giving you confident, consistent control every time you leave the dock.
