Excessive play in steering wheel

[prc03sx195]

I have a glastron sx-195 4.3L I/O 2003 and it seems to me that the steering wheel has too much play. I can turn the wheel probably 30 deg back / forth before anything moves out back. Is this normal? It has a teleflex steering rack?? Are there any adjustments I can make to tighten it up?
I am new to boating and my background is in automobiles so boat mechanics is not my fortay. Any help is appreciated.

paul

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Excessive play in steering wheel

you need to check the connection at the outdrive end. they some times get play in the connecting arm. or you have a cable or helm going bad.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Excessive play in steering wheel

First you need to determine where the play is. Have someone hold the outdrive from moving while someone else turns the wheel and you look for the play in the system.

1) Steering wheel to pinion shaft ? very rare.

2) Rack and pinion ? no adjustment, replace the cable (with rack and pinion).

3) Steering mechanism to steering shaft (#13), attaches through pin #24 to steering shaft ? replace worn components.

4) Steering shaft (#13) to upper swivel shaft (#14) ? tighten bolt #18 or replace worn components.

5) Upper swivel shaft (#14) to gimbal ring (#1) ? tighten bolts #20 or replace worn components.

Item 4 requires engine removal or transom access plugs. If it?s Item 5 and tightening the bolts doesn?t fix it then you need a new gimbal ring.

 

[PhatboyC]

Re: Excessive play in steering wheel

You probably already know this but just in case. Unlike a car, the engine needs to be running to tighten up.

 

[prc03sx195]

Re: Excessive play in steering wheel

No I didn't know it had to be running to tighten up. But when I was out on the water running the wheel had the same amount of play as when it was at a stop. If that gives any further indication.
I'm assuming the bolts you mentioned to try to tighten are all viewed from the back of the boat?

Thank you.

paul

 

[45Auto]

Re: Excessive play in steering wheel

Bolt #20 (2 of them) you can see from the outside rear of the boat, at the top of the gimbal ring. #18 is inside the transom shield, and if you have problems with it or the gimbal ring being worn it is a pretty major problem.