Steering loos, not the typical steering shaft/gimbal ring

[Glastron_V210]

Hi all.

I'm going after the slack in my steering today. I have a 1979 Merc 260, with an alpha bolted up to prealpha stuff.

I have previously removed and re/re'd the gimbal ring and steering shaft (Splined, in my case) and have confirmed I have no play from the outdrive to the steering arm inside the boat. The steering arm connects to the power steering output linkage with a bolt. I found and eliminated some slop between the two.

I still have fairly significant slop between the wheel and the outdrive. It seems like the whole cable assembly moves back and forth, but in some way this makes sense; it seems to actuate the power steering pilot valve this way.

I tried to understand the manual on this; I read it, but it's not super descriptive in the general sense.

So, the crux is this. On the starbord side, where the cable is recieved, there is an assembly consisting of the coupler nut, coupler nut locking sleve and a cotter pin holding it in. Is it supposed to move?

Am I right that the steering cable actually terminates on the port side assembly where the power steering ram and the output linkage connect?

Thanks,

Any insight appreciated.

Chay

 

[cr2k]

Re: Steering loos, not the typical steering shaft/gimbal ring

Check the big nut for tightness.
Check under the dash and make sure all the helm connections are tight. If so you just may have worn out rack and pinion teeth.

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: Steering loos, not the typical steering shaft/gimbal ring

Thanks for the reply. I'll check 'em out.


Chay

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: Steering loos, not the typical steering shaft/gimbal ring

It's the rack. That sucks!

Ok, so do I have to replace the cable and front end assembly?

Is there any adjustment to bring the drive gear (steering wheel) and rack closer together...there is no binding, seems like it's just sloppy?


Thanks,

Chay