🔍 Key Concepts

• How air in a hydraulic line affects pressure and flow • Normal vs. abnormal rudder response in hydraulic steering • What a relief valve and pump speed actually indicate in a steering system

💭 Think About

• If air gets into a closed hydraulic system, how will that change the way pressure is transmitted when you move the helm? • Which of these symptoms would you expect from a compressible fluid (with air in it) instead of an incompressible fluid (proper hydraulic oil only)? • Look at each choice and ask: Is this mainly a mechanical/pressure fault, or does it sound like a problem with delayed/erratic motion?

✅ Before You Answer

• Compare each option with the basic principle that a proper hydraulic system should be almost instant and solid in transmitting motion. • Eliminate any choices that mainly describe over‑pressure or mechanical jamming, rather than soft, spongy, or delayed behavior. • Think about which option best reflects a repeated, noticeable problem in how the rudder actually moves, instead of a one-time failure.